In recent years, an increasing number of Jews worldwide have decided to make Aliyah and emigrate to the land of their ancestors: Israel. They arrive in a country at war, yet they do not want to leave. Just like Dmitrii.
They had envisioned a different start in their new home. In September 2023, Dmitrii and Kate left their homeland of Russia with their three children and arrived in Israel as new immigrants, known as olim. Their first stop was Kibbutz Or Ha Ner, near the Gaza Strip, where they quickly felt welcome and at home. But with the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, barely a month later, everything changed abruptly. The kibbutz was evacuated, and Dmitrii and his family suddenly found themselves in the middle of a war in a deeply traumatized country. Dmitrii's experience is shared by many newcomers from around the world who made aliyah—that is, immigrated to Israel—in the past year and this year.
First Home in the Homeland, the Jewish Agency's immigrant program supported by Christians Standing with Israel (CSI), continues to face significant challenges . First Home in the Homeland assists Jews from around the world who wish to return to the land of their ancestors. Within the program, new immigrants can participate in an Ulpan, an intensive Hebrew course, and take all the necessary steps toward successful integration, while their children are cared for in kindergartens and schools.
The events of October 7th, with all their consequences, significantly disrupted well-established processes. Despite the current difficult situation in Israel, First Home in the Homeland is experiencing steadily growing interest in its immigration program, particularly from Europe. One reason for this is likely the increasing global antisemitism. In September, 60 new immigrants, spread across four regions, began Hebrew language courses. New courses are scheduled to start in four additional regions by the end of the year.
At the same time, it has become very difficult for First Home in the Homeland to accommodate the many new immigrants in kibbutzim: Since some settlements around the Gaza Strip are still evacuated, and thousands of Israelis from the north have had to leave their homes due to the ongoing fighting with the Lebanese Hezbollah militia, accommodation options are very limited. However, people pulled together wherever possible, and around one hundred olim were warmly welcomed and taken in. The solidarity is working: More than 80 percent of them want to extend their participation in the program after the first six months and remain living in their kibbutzim – even in those areas where shelling occurs almost daily.
Nevertheless, the horrors and consequences of October 7th have left their mark on the new immigrants as well. Many of them need emotional and financial support. Thanks to CSI's assistance, families have been able to receive individualized help, whether through trauma counseling, funding for childcare, or participation in summer camps. The staff of First Home in the Homeland and the program participants are equally grateful for the support. As Valeria, one of the program leaders, puts it: "It is very important for us to tell you that every smile these people have is entirely thanks to you. Every time we went through a difficult time, you were there, praying for all Jewish people, supporting us, and helping us overcome the challenges." And: "We are grateful to be able to walk alongside you – you are not just our friends, you have become family."
And Dmitrii and Kate? They found the courage and strength to return to their kibbutz, Or Ha Ner, in the Gaza Strip after eight months of evacuation, to build a new life for themselves in Israel. Despite all the initial difficulties and challenges, they are certain: their kibbutz is their home.
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