Hollywood actress Diane Neal has begun a new chapter in what is already an eventful life by making Aliyah to Israel.
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Neal, who is best known for her role as Casey Novak in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, made Aliyah to Israel with Nefesh B’Nefesh, in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and JNF-USA.
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Diane Neal meets with Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Co-Founder of Nefesh B'Nefesh, at the organization's office in Jerusalem
(Photo: Rebecca Zwiren, Nefesh B’Nefesh)
She arrived in Israel last November and began the organization's guided Aliyah process within Israel in March.
For now, Neal is residing in Tel Aviv, and she already feels at home - even when handling the often-challenging Israeli bureaucracy.
“Even when I was at Misrad Hapnim (Interior Ministry office), I felt all the people that I’ve loved and came before me and died just so I could have the privilege to be here. I needed a place to feel safe.”
While the actress has put her career on hold for now, she hopes to use her time in Israel to learn more about the country.
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Actress Diane Neal seen with her new Israeli ID card in Tel Aviv
(Photo: Rebecca Zwiren, Nefesh B’Nefesh)
“I'm new here and don't presume to know everything, but I'd like to learn more about Israel and be an ambassador for what Israel is. I want to do everything I can to help make Aliyah happen for others,” she said, adding that she’s interested in exploring the philanthropic and government advocacy worlds in Israel as she has experience in both realms.
Founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh, in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and JNF-USA, strives to facilitate and celebrate Aliyah, advocate for Olim, and education towards a stronger connection to Israel.
By minimizing financial, professional, logistical, and social obstacles, Olim are able to actualize their dreams and continue building a stronger Israel.
The support and comprehensive social services provided by Nefesh B’Nefesh to its 75,000 new immigrants have ensured that 90% have remained in Israel.