Nefesh B’Nefesh has announced the receipt of a major gift to support the organization’s work in bringing Jews from the West to live in Israel. The donor Guma Aguiar, a philanthropist and founder of Leor Energy, gave $8 million to Nefesh B’Nefesh during the period ending December 31, 2008.
According to Tony Gelbart, Co-Founder and Chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh, “this substantial donation demonstrates how the remarkable commitment of Jews who choose to make Israel their home even in these challenging times, is echoed and fortified by the support of generous individuals like Guma. These vital funds strengthen Israel’s human resources and ensure its future. The gift has already played a major role in helping Nefesh B’Nefesh bring a record number of newcomers to Israel in 2008.”
Aguiar, a board member and Chairman of Finance of the organization, firmly believes in creating facts on the ground and views his commitment to Nefesh B’Nefesh as a vital strategic investment in Israel. “There is no greater priority for the Jewish people or Israel than strengthening immigration (Aliyah) from the US, Canada and the UK” stated Aguiar, who was named “Top Industry Executive of 2008″ by Oil & Gas Investor Magazine,” Our goal of enabling 100,000 individuals to realize their Aliyah dream seems more realistic with every passing day, in light of the 18,000 who have moved to Israel with Nefesh B’Nefesh’s assistance thus far, and another 12,000 already ‘in the pipeline.’ My family is deeply moved to be a part of this incredible historic process.”
Nefesh B’Nefesh has created a new approach to Aliyah and streamlined the entire process since it was founded six years ago to assist Western Jews who choose to move to Israel. The Aguiar funds are being used to help meet the needs of thousands of recent newcomers.
“Our tradition teaches us that when economic times are tough, giving to others for important causes is the most helpful thing to do,” Aguiar added, “It is a profound honor for me to help fulfill what I consider a truly sacred task.”
Joel Katz says
January 26, 2009 at 1:07 pmWhile donating millions, it seems like Guma Aguiar, Director of the Lillian Jean Kaplan Foundation, is also being kept busy by lawsuits filed by his Uncle, Thomas Kaplan.
Uncle’s suit claims nephew misspent foundation money to promote claim he is ‘the Messiah’
Zalman Lachman says
January 28, 2009 at 10:36 pmWhat’s your beef, Joel? This is about helping people move to Israel. What does your post have to do with that? Nb’N is a terrific organization that helps literally thousands every year make Aliyah and succeed in the transition.
You mention the ‘messiah’ claim which Aguiar himself says is silly, but don’t mention that the parties had a much larger falling out over the split on a $2 billion business deal.
Between the lines, Aguiar sounds like he’s become an observant Jew and his uncle can’t stand the idea. My guess is that is as much the issue.
Joel Katz says
January 29, 2009 at 6:41 pmShalom Zalman (re: comment above),
Here is a 20-minute video interview of Guma Aguiar talking about his return to Judaism and support for Nefesh B’Nefesh.
Oil Tycoon Cashes In on Spiritual Dividends in Jerusalem
VIDEO interview with Guma Aguiar