The jewish agency for israel
A Legacy of Connecting Diaspora and Homeland
The Jewish Agency, founded in 1929, began as the primary agency in Israel responsible for facilitating Jewish immigration – aliyah – and building the nation’s infrastructure. From helping new arrivals find housing and Hebrew classes to supporting agricultural settlements, the Jewish Agency for Israel has been on the ground since before Israel’s independence, turning hope into homes.
Beyond Immigration: Building Jewish Life Worldwide
While Jewish Agency aliyah’s work remains at its core, today, the organization’s reach is far broader:
- Fostering Jewish identity among young people through programs, leadership training, and educational exchanges
- Supporting vulnerable populations—elderly immigrants, at-risk youth, and families in distress—through community centers and social services
- Strengthening ties between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide with outreach, dialogue, and shared volunteer initiatives
Every summer, Israeli host families open their doors to North American teens and Shlichim (Israeli emissaries) bring Israeli culture into classrooms from Toronto to Tokyo. The Jewish Agency’s volunteers and staff build that bridge day by day.
Regional Hubs: New York and the North American Council
The Jewish Agency for Israel North American Council provides governance and advocacy in the United States, ensuring American Jews can shape its mission. If you live in the tri-state area, you’ll find a vibrant community of partners at the Jewish Agency for Israel New York office, which hosts film screenings, Israel festivals, and gatherings where aliyah hopefuls map out their journeys.
How You Can Get Involved
- Explore Aliyah Services – Whether you dream of a new life in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, the Jewish Agency aliyah counselors can guide you through every step – visa paperwork, Ulpan Hebrew classes, and even help finding your first apartment.
- Volunteer Locally – From tutoring new immigrants in New York to hosting a Shaliach (Israeli emissary) at your synagogue; there are hundreds of ways to partner with the Jewish Agency for Israel in your community.
- Attend Events – Keep an eye on the Jewish Agency’s New York and North American Council calendars for film festivals, lectures, and networking happy hours celebrating Israeli innovation, literature, and culture.
- Donate to Support Jewish Life- Your gift fuels home-making grants for New Olim, social services for at-risk youth, and educational programs for Jewish students worldwide.
A Personal Invitation
Every story of aliyah, shared Shabbat in Queens or Tel Aviv, and Hebrew words learned at sunset are threads in the tapestry the Jewish Agency has been weaving for decades. If you’ve ever felt that pull toward Israel, that sense of belonging to a people with a shared history and future, we welcome you to explore The Jewish Agency for Israel today. Join their North American Council or stop by the New York office. Volunteer alongside the Israeli-American Council NYC. Or find out how your hopes and talents can enrich this unfolding story.
Together, we keep that electric connection alive—so the next generation can feel it, too.