Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, co-founder of Nefesh B’Nefesh and the organization’s Executive Director since 2002 received the 2011 . In the following video Rabbi Fass speaks about the murder of his relative in a terrorist bombing in March 2001, an incident which compelled him to embark on the mission of helping Jews realize the dream of coming home to the land of Israel.
Together with Tony Gelbart, Rabbi Fass founded Nefesh B'Nefesh, which revolutionized western Aliyah by removing the financial, professional and logistical obstacles that prevent many individuals from actualizing their dreams. The Moskowitz Prize committee explained that "the organization has revamped the Aliyah process, making the idea of moving to Israel a more realistic option for many."
Since its establishment in 2002, the organization has assisted over 27,000 Western Olim and has maintained a retention rate of 97%. "These Olim contribute greatly to the social, economic and demographic welfare of Israeli society," continues the written statement of the prize committee, "by serving in the IDF, settling in Israel’s cities and periphery, and boosting economic growth, while infusing the country with idealistic enthusiasm and optimism."
