MODI’IN, ISRAEL — Rhona and Daniel Grodzinski, long-time residents of Toronto and formerly of London, officially became Israeli citizens on July 8 when they arrived in Modi’in to join three of their five children and several grandchildren. Their Aliyah was facilitated by Nefesh B’Nefesh in cooperation with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and Jewish National Fund-USA.
The couple purchased and prepared a home just blocks from their daughter’s residence before immigrating. “This move is not driven by fear or urgency,” said Rhona Grodzinski. “It is about love, presence, and not missing another moment of family life from afar.”
Both born into Zionist Jewish households, Rhona in Canada and Daniel in England, the pair met through shared family connections while Daniel was visiting North America. They married, raised five children, and lived 18 years in London before relocating to Toronto over two decades ago.
Nefesh B’Nefesh, founded in 2001 to streamline Jewish immigration from North America, has enabled over 80,000 olim to date, working with government and Jewish-world partners to remove financial and logistical barriers. Daniel Grodzinski, now retired from a career in the bakery industry, credited the organization’s support for making their long-held dream a reality.
Three of the Grodzinskis’ children previously made Aliyah and now reside in Modi’in, making it the natural destination. Over the past 18 months, Rhona and Daniel spent extended visits in Israel despite regional tensions. They said modern technology eased their concerns during the October 7 war, but they still missed milestones such as a grandson’s bar mitzvah.
Now settled in Israel, the Grodzinskis plan to enroll in university courses, volunteer in their community, and spend quality time with grandchildren. Daniel hopes to begin formal studies, while Rhona looks forward to engaging in local charitable initiatives.
Officials from Nefesh B’Nefesh and the Ministry of Aliyah hailed the move as emblematic of enduring Zionist commitment among Diaspora Jews. “Every Aliyah story strengthens Israel’s future,” said a Nefesh B’Nefesh spokesperson.
This article is based on verified information from The Jerusalem Post, Nefesh B’Nefesh, and Wikipedia.