Hannah Katz of New Haven

Hannah Katz of New Haven was among 229 olim — new immigrants – who boarded a flight out of New York on July 11 to begin a new life in Israel. Katz, 22, headed for Nachlaot in Jerusalem, where she will seek a career in arts and holistic health counseling. The flight filled with those making aliyah –13 of whom will be joining the IDF – was organized by Nefesh B’Nefesh. Founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh, in cooperation with the Israeli government and the Jewish Agency for Israel, is dedicated to revitalizing aliyah from North America and the UK by removing or minimizing the financial, professional, logistical and social obstacles that often accompany the process of making aliyah. Over the past decade, the organization has helped settle 32,000 newcomers, 97% of who have remained in Israel. In 2012, Nefesh B’Nefesh will bring 5,000 newcomers to Israel. For more information visit www.nbn.org.il.