Speaking at the Jerusalem Post Miami Conference, Tony Gelbart, co-founder and chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh, framed modern aliyah not as an escape from danger, but as a purposeful move toward opportunity, identity, and national contribution. “I’ve had the pleasure and the honor of helping people make aliyah for 25 years,” Gelbart said in a conversation with Jerusalem Post diplomatic correspondent Idan Kweller. “Our first flight was in 2002, and since then we’ve helped nearly 100,000 people.” Gelbart emphasized that aliyah from countries like the United States reflects choice rather than desperation. “People aren’t running away from anything,” he said. “They’re running to something. They’re running to Israel. It’s their home.” Nefesh B’Nefesh’s work has expanded far beyond flights. The organization supports integration through national service, lone soldier programs, Zionist education, and professional licensing.
Gelbart recounted a recent gathering of more than 5,000 lone soldiers in Tel Aviv. “Men and women from 70 different countries,” he said, calling it a powerful expression of global Jewish commitment. Addressing Israel’s physician shortage, Gelbart pointed to one of the organization’s most critical initiatives. “There’s a gap of about 2,000 doctors in Israel,” he explained. “So we helped bring doctors from all over the world and get their medical licensing very quickly.” While the initial 2024 goal was 300 doctors, “we brought 519,” he said. “Numbers are really important when it comes to doctors saving lives.” Since October 7, on motivations for aliyah, Gelbart has pushed back against common assumptions. “Only 5% of the people making aliyah say it has anything to do with antisemitism,” he noted. “People are running to technology, med-tech, education, affordability, it’s plain and simple: Zionism.” Looking ahead, Gelbart concluded with a conviction for the organization's future: “We’re going to put our body and soul into helping olim,” he said. “And we’re moving forward: Mental health, Zionist education, technology, and helping people start businesses in Israel.”
Written in collaboration with NBN