100,000 chose Israel: The immigrant who made history

24 years after the establishment of the 'Nefesh B'Nefesh' organization, it marked a significant milestone today with the arrival in Israel of the 100,000th immigrant from North America: 6-year-old Amelia Douglas, who will start first grade in the upcoming school year, together with her parents Jeffrey and Atara, her brother Nathaniel (10), and her sister Hallie (9).

On the occasion of the historic event, the President of the State, Isaac Herzog, hosted the Douglas family at the President's Residence. The event took place in the presence of the Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Ofir Sofer, and the founders of the 'Nefesh B'Nefesh' organization, Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart.

"One hundred thousand stories of people who chose Israel"

The President blessed the family and praised the organization's work: "I am happy to welcome the Douglas family to Israel, and especially 6-year-old Amelia. One hundred thousand immigrants are one hundred thousand stories of people who chose Israel, chose to build their home and their future here, and became part of the Israeli story." The President added that the Douglas family constitutes a "living example of the deep connection between Diaspora Jewry and the State of Israel," and thanked the organization's founders and the Minister of Aliyah and Integration for decades of blessed Zionist activity.

Fulfilling a Zionist dream

The Douglas family planned the move for many years. The turning point came last summer, when they visited Israel for a friend's wedding and realized they wanted their children to grow up and be educated here. It is especially moving to discover that the family's three children are named after fallen IDF soldiers and victims of terror — a living testimony to the strength of the family's emotional connection with the people and the land.

Atara and Jeffrey Douglas shared their feelings: "Someone once told us: 'We lead, we don't leave.' This sentence became our motto. We don't feel that we are leaving the life we knew, but rather choosing to fulfill a dream and build our future and our children's future in Israel."

A social and economic growth engine

Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Ofir Sofer, noted: "The 100,000th immigrant is a moving and significant milestone for Aliyah and the State of Israel. We will continue to work to encourage Aliyah and provide immigrants with the necessary support for optimal integration." The organization's founders, Tony Gelbart and Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, concluded: "The 100,000th immigrant is much more than a number. It symbolizes the tens of thousands of families who chose to tie their future with the future of the State of Israel. The children who immigrated with us in the early years have already established families here, serve in the IDF, and work in the health, education, and economic systems."

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By the numbers: The impact of 'Nefesh B'Nefesh' over 24 years

• 15 billion shekels: The monetary estimate of the contribution of Aliyah from North America to the Israeli economy.

• Over 65%: The rate of immigrants who arrived with advanced academic degrees.

• About 6,000 doctors and professionals: Integrated into the Israeli health system.

• About 14,000 immigrants: Chose to live in the Negev and the Galilee as part of the 'Zinuk BaAliyah' program.

• Over 22,000 lone soldiers: Received accompaniment and support as part of the joint program with the FIDF organization.

• 90%: The high retention rate of immigrants in Israel over the years.