The Gift That Keeps Giving

First there was Taglit-Birthright Israel. You know the routine – a free 10-day trip to Israel anyone Jewish between the ages of 18-26 who hasn’t been yet. Then there is Masa, a program that helps young Jews to participate in long term (6 months – 1 year) programs in Israel by providing generous grants and subsidies towards their expenses. I know many people who came to Israel on Birthright, were enthralled, then returned on a long-term Masa sponsored program. Nice, right?

Well now Nefesh B’Nefesh has stepped in with more… NBN is the organization that helps encourage immigration to Israel from North America and the UK by providing immigrants with cash and absorption assistance above and beyond what they are already entitled to from the Israeli government.

What’s the “more” part you ask? It’s very simple actually. I felt kind of dumb wasting Yael Katzman’s time asking that very question. Yael is the Director of Communications & Media at NBN and patiently explained to me this no-brainer program they have going on… Here’s how it works: If you are an alumni of either Taglit-Birthright Israel or MASA and then decide to make aliyah to Israel via Nefesh B’Nefesh, they will give you enhanced grants and further assistance aimed at the predominantly young single people they hope will be attracted to this initiative. That means more cash and singles-related events as a reward for having gotten free stuff from either Birthright or MASA or BOTH!

Wow. How awesome is that?? I’m already here in Israel so while I can’t benefit directly, I am all in favor of any project that increases my dating pool. Uhm and uh… helps fulfill the Zionist dream of course. I meant to say that first. So to rephrase… Zionist dream, Herzl and then more babes. Yay! Thanks Nefesh B’Nefesh. For more info about this and other NBN projects, click here.