“The desire to build a future, even in the face of adversity, drives many to Israel.”
This keen insight recently came from Jewish Agency chairman Doron Almog to explain why so many Jewish families are immigrating to Israel despite the ongoing conflict here. In fact, over 32,000 Jews made Aliyah last year even amid the intense fighting on multiple fronts.
With the support of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, more than 40 Jewish families are now getting their chance at a fresh start in Israel through the ‘First Home in the Homeland’ program. The ICEJ is helping sponsor their new houses at Kibbutz Merchavia, where they will learn to speak Hebrew and integrate into Israeli society. This ‘First Home’ program is a uniquely successful housing and absorption initiative that is offered in over 50 kibbutzim throughout Israel.
The program provides a structured framework for new immigrants to adapt to life in Israel. Over their initial six to twelve months in the Land, participants take intensive Hebrew courses and workshops on daily life, and receive support in finding work. These steps are essential for families who have left behind their homes, careers and communities to come home to Israel.
“Many come from places that are very different from Israel, and it takes time to adjust and find their feet,” explained Nicole Yoder, ICEJ Vice President for AID & Aliyah, after a recent visit with the 40 newly-arrived families supported by the Christian Embassy. “Coming to an established community that provides a home and full support for all the immigrants’ basic needs is a tremendous gift. We are thrilled to help make it possible.”
But the violence of October 7, 2023 tested the strength of the program in ways no one could have imagined. Families who had settled in villages near Gaza suddenly found themselves at the mercy of rockets and gangs of terrorists. One family, just weeks into their new life in Israel, was evacuated after the attacks, but their hearts never left the kibbutz. After months of uncertainty, they returned — determined to rebuild and give back to the community that had embraced them.
“I remember receiving the first application of a family wanting to come to Israel after October 7, and then we received another, and another. It was so moving to see so many still eager to come,” said Valeria, a former participant who now helps coordinate the Jewish Agency’s ‘First Home’ program. “Many of these new arrivals are doctors, scientists, and educators — and they all said the same thing: ‘We want to be there right now, to help.’”
Valeria’s story is a powerful example of the program’s impact. Five years ago, she left Eastern Europe with her husband and young son, driven by a desire to reconnect with her Jewish roots after searching her whole life for her identity. She also wanted to provide a brighter future for her family.
“I had everything back home, but something was missing,” she reflected.
After years of searching, she finally found the missing piece in Israel. The program provided her with essential resources and a sense of belonging, helping her navigate the complexities of Israeli life. Now, Valeria uses her own experience to guide new arrivals.
“We planned to be here for six months to a year. That turned into five years, and now we think it will be for the rest of our lives,” she assured.
“The most beautiful part of my job is watching the transformation. I see how children from Brazil begin speaking Hebrew and can communicate effortlessly with children from Eastern Europe. I watch families — once afraid and uncertain of living in Israel — grow into confident, thriving members of our community. They find jobs, build relationships, and begin their new lives.”
For families like the Dreimans from Ukraine, the journey began with fear and uncertainty but eventually turned into a hopeful new chapter. Alina, a professional painter, and Sasha, an investment businessman, along with their young daughter, fled war-torn Kharkov. Through the program, they found not only a home on Kibbutz Merchavia but also a community eager to help them succeed.
“It felt like people were waiting for us and that they love us,” Sasha shared.
“When I see these happy families, confident and thriving in their homeland, it reminds me why our work matters,” responded Valerie.
As more immigrant families arrive in Israel, the need for continued support grows. Through the generous giving of our Christian friends worldwide, the ICEJ can sponsor more Jewish olim(newcomers) in programs like First Home in the Homeland so these families can flourish and enjoy a safety net of support. It is not just about finding a place to stay — they are finding a warm, welcoming community.
By donating today, you can help provide housing, Hebrew language classes, and job training for new immigrants determined to rebuild their lives in Israel. Programs like ‘First Home in the Homeland’ are essential in meeting the needs of new immigrants.
