Aliyah has always been part of the Jewish story,” says Tony Gelbart, Co-Founder and Chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh, who will be speaking at the upcoming Jerusalem Post Miami Summit. “What was once a journey marked by extreme hardship has become in the modern era remarkably accessible and achievable. Today, we’ve removed and addressed so many of the barriers. We’ve shown that Aliyah is possible for virtually everyone, regardless of age or profession.”
Due largely to the work of organizations like Nefesh B’Nefesh and its partners, Gelbart explains, the aliyah process has been significantly transformed over the past two decades. Bureaucracy has been streamlined, logistical hurdles reduced, and support systems expanded. “What was once daunting is now manageable,” he notes.
Nefesh B’Nefesh’s comprehensive support and social services have successfully empowered over 95,000 North American Olim to integrate into Israeli society, achieving an impressive 90% retention rate, ensuring their long-term commitment to building meaningful lives in Israel, and contributing to the nation’s growth. In 2025, North American Aliyah saw a marked increase of 12% compared to the previous year, with 4,150 individuals making Israel their home, the highest annual figure since 2021.
Gelbart adds that the Israeli government is offering new opportunities that make aliyah a more realistic and attractive option. Housing prices, long seen as a major obstacle, are beginning to stabilize. Israel’s technology sector continues to boom, drawing professionals from around the world. Advances in medicine, groundbreaking research, and expanding academic institutions have positioned Israel as a global leader in innovation and discovery. “Israel’s success story is an immigrant story,” Gelbart says. “People who made Aliyah helped build this country—and the next generation can do the same.”
The Jerusalem Post Miami Summit, to be held on January 13 in partnership with The Shul of Bal Harbour and Israel Discount Bank, will explore the most pressing issues facing the Jewish and Israeli communities today, with a forward-looking focus on innovation, leadership, and global impact. The event will feature prominent voices from government, business, diplomacy, and community leadership, with dedicated sessions on the future of Diaspora Jewry, Israel’s role globally, and strengthening US-Israel relations.
Written in collaboration with NBN