Nefesh B'Nefesh has celebrated the arrival of its 100,000th North American oleh (immigrant to Israel), a landmark achievement since the organization was founded in 2002.
To commemorate the milestone, Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the family to the President's Residence alongside Israel’s Aliyah and Integration Minister, Ofir Sofer, and Nefesh B'Nefesh Co-Founders Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart.
The milestone was marked by the arrival of Jeffrey and Atara Douglas in Israel alongside their three children: Nathaniel (10), Hallie (9), and Emilia (6).
"I am delighted to welcome to Israel the Douglas family, including their six-year-old daughter Emilia, who is the 100,000th Olah to make aliyah with Nefesh B'Nefesh to Israel," said Herzog.
"The Douglas family is setting a wonderful example for millions of Jews all over the world, and I wish them every success in their integration and new life here in Israel. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the amazing work of Nefesh B'Nefesh under the leadership of Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart, who have changed the whole model of aliyah.
"I would also like to thank the Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Ofir Sofer, for his ongoing efforts to support and strengthen aliyah to the State of Israel. May you all continue to go from strength to strength."
Gelbart: Celebration belongs to every oleh
Gelbart said the celebration belongs not just to Nefesh B'Nefesh, but to every oleh who chose to make the move to Israel.
“This summer, we are proud to welcome many families making aliyah with their children, choosing to build their homes and futures in Israel," said Minister Sofer. "Each of them strengthens the country while deepening the enduring bond between the Diaspora Jewish community and Israel."
The Douglas family has long intended to make aliyah as a family. Their connection to Israel is reflected in many aspects of their lives; each of their three children is named for a fallen Israeli soldier or victim of terror.
Douglas family made decision during visit last summer
During a visit to Israel last summer, the parents said they found themselves looking around the celebration and realizing they wanted their own children to grow up in that same environment.
"Someone once told me, 'We're leading, not leaving,'" said Atara Douglas.
"That has become our mantra. That's exactly how we feel as we begin this next chapter in Israel with our children. We wanted to live and experience Jewish history as it unfolds, to be part of the story of Am Yisrael in our homeland through both the moments of joy and the moments of challenge. We are finally fulfilling our dream."