They arrive with the hope of peace and security in a new home: Jews from all over the world who, with the help of the Jewish Agency's "First Home in the Homeland" immigration program, are attempting a fresh start in Israel. The following report describes how the newly arrived immigrants and their support workers are coping with the current war situation.
From First Home in the Homeland, translated and edited by CSI
There's no place like home
Even though uncertainty dominates our daily lives and we meet with friends more often in air-raid shelters than at a festive table, our fighting spirit grows stronger every day.
Just a few weeks before the start of the "Roaring Lion" war against Iran, we welcomed eleven new families to our program. As soon as flights to Israel resume, we expect six more families, and everything is already prepared for their arrival.
Currently, 186 people are participating in the program. We and our coordinators are in contact with all participants and are trying to provide them with as normal a daily routine as possible to support them during this difficult time. Even during the war, the children were able to dress up in cheerful costumes for Purim and receive sweet gifts. The adults have begun their studies at Ulpan – both in person and via Zoom.
In the settlement of Hinanit, former program participants helped set up a children's room in an air-raid shelter so that the adults could resume their studies. Participants in Ramat Negev have started their classes via Zoom. It's not easy yet, but they even take their textbooks with them into the shelters when the air-raid siren sounds.
Katya and Kirill from Ukraine arrived in the Israeli city of Afula and, thanks to Koen, a staff member of CSI Ukraine, were able to participate in our program at Kibbutz Mashabei Sadeh, where they received a very warm welcome. They have already received help finding temporary jobs and started their online Hebrew course yesterday.
“So far, we’re doing quite well. Our studies have already started, our heads are spinning, but thank God we’re starting to achieve some success. We’re grateful for your support. It would have been much more difficult for us in the city. We’re safe,” Katya shared.
Another family from Ukraine came to Hinanit. Gennadiy, Yana, and their son joined us at the end of February. They, too, feel safe and at home: “Both adults and children feel safe here. Our son quickly made new friends. We have excellent support staff and are surrounded by very kind and friendly people. We are experiencing firsthand how people support and inspire one another. Children do crafts in the air-raid shelter, adults play sports and study together, and the coordinators invite them for tea and in-depth conversations.”
As early as the beginning of March, we received undeniable proof that a home, support, and care can work small miracles. Varvara, a young girl who came to Israel with her family just three years ago, won a storytelling contest about the Northern District. Her parents immediately shared this wonderful news with us: “This is compelling proof that the program truly works. For us, it’s a wonderful gift on the third anniversary of our Aliyah.”
Life goes on. Cheers to Israel Chai!
As Christians Standing with Israel (CSI), we support Jewish immigration to Israel (Aliyah) in various ways. You can find more information here.
