Finding Comfort in the Promised Land

We are often asked whether we continue to visit the olim (Jewish immigrants) in Israel after they have made aliyah. The answer is both yes and no. While it is impossible to personally visit all the thousands of Jewish families we have helped, we remain connected to many—thanks to the dedication of two volunteers who themselves fled to Israel from Mariupol. Through their efforts, we continue to stay connected to many Jewish elderly and Holocaust survivors who have found refuge in Israel with the assistance of Christians for Israel.

One of these volunteers is Golda. She fled Mariupol in June 2022 and now lives in Nof Hagalil, where she has successfully integrated into Israeli society. She spends much of her time visiting Jewish elderly and Holocaust survivors who, with our help, have made the journey from Ukraine, through Moldova, to Israel. Are these visits meaningful? Golda shares her experiences.

Our volunteer Golda (left) visits Jewish elderly and refugees from Ukraine in Israel. | Photo: C4I

Golda’s story
“For over a year, I have been visiting elderly individuals who have endured so much—surviving the Holocaust, World War II, the years of stability and ‘perestroika’ (the policy of reform in the Soviet Union in the 1980s, which brought great economic and social changes). Now, in their old age, often in fragile health, they were once again forced to leave everything behind and flee—this time from the war in Ukraine.

With the help of Christians for Israel, many of them were able to survive by coming to Israel and starting a new life here. When I visit them, I listen to their stories, hear their worries and understand how much they need our support and reassurance. Over time, we have become like family, dear friends who need to be visited so that they do not feel alone and abandoned in a new country, far from their birthplace and loved ones.”

A story of hope: Viktoriya
“Recently, I met an extraordinary woman named Viktoriya. For years, she hesitated to make aliyah due to her severe health problems and difficulty walking. With the help of Christians for Israel, she finally made it to Israel. Despite her frail health, Viktoriya’s optimism and immense gratitude were truly inspiring. She is overjoyed to be here, receiving care and support.

Meeting people like Viktoriya reaffirms how vital the work of Christians for Israel and its supporters is. Our visits and conversations bring comfort, hope, and a sense of belonging to these elderly individuals. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.”

Bringing Jews home means more than just helping them make aliyah—it means continuing to care for them in Israel. Thanks to dedicated people like Golda and the support of our donors, these elderly immigrants are not forgotten.

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