'The Aliyah Revolution Has Begun'.

By IsraelNationalNews.com

Leading religious leaders from the three major denominations of American Jewry have issued statements calling for mass Aliyah (Jewish immigration to Israel) from the United States.

One recent statement was issued in the context of encouragement bestowed

upon the hundreds of North American olim (immigrants to Israel) who are slated to arrive in the Holy Land this summer with the help of Nefesh b'Nefesh, an organization seeking to revitalize North American Aliyah by removing the financial, professional, and logistical obstacles that prevent many "would-be" olim from fulfilling their dream.

"There are many ways for the Jewish community to connect with Israel and to contribute to the well being of the Jewish state. Of all these expressions though, fulfilling the mitzvah (biblical commandment) of aliyah is the highest manifestation of Zionism. This decision, during these challenging times in Israel, is especially admirable. May God give you strength to succeed in this most important commitment. We pray that you and your family will enjoy living in the Jewish home in peace and success. Together we congratulate you for your admirable decision."

The statement was signed by Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, head of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, Rabbi Jerome Epstein, head of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and Rabbi Eric Yoffie, head of the Reform Union of American Hebrew Congregations.

That statement joins a previously released proclamation organized by Kumah - Americans Return to Zion, a grassroots organization dedicated to encouraging and facilitating mass aliyah to Israel by all Jews of the exile. The statement, signed by leading orthodox rabbinic leaders, said:

"Our Rabbis learned: One should always live in Eretz Yisrael, even in a city whose majority is idolaters, and he should not live outside Eretz Yisrael, even in a city with a Jewish majority."(Talmud, Tractate Ketuvot p.110b)

Various Roshei Yeshiva (heads of Talmudic academies) urged all Jews to seriously consider making aliyah. "We believe that a massive return to our eternal homeland will contribute greatly to an alleviation of all demographic, economic and religious problems in Israel today. We urge the entire Jewish Diaspora, particularly the younger generation, to begin viewing aliyah as a goal rather than an option."

Nefesh b'Nefesh brought 550 Jews on aliyah last summer and is expecting to triple that number this summer with three planeloads of North American Jews arriving over the coming months.