Journey to Israel: 29 teenagers begin their Aliyah adventure
This week marked a joyful milestone as twenty-nine Na’aleh children began their journey to Israel! Traveling in our special big Christians for Israel bus, twenty students aged 14 and 15 crossed both Ukrainian and Moldovan borders on their way to participate in a 3–4 year Aliyah study program organized by the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI).
For nine other children, the journey was even shorter: they traveled directly from Odessa to Kishenov, just 220 km away. Together, all twenty-nine teenagers are taking a significant step toward their future in Israel!
An emotional farewell as students say goodbye to their parents. | Photo: C4I Ukraine
The border crossing on Wednesday was smooth and efficient, taking only 2.5 hours thanks to thorough preparation of all online and printed paperwork. The group arrived at the airport around 5 PM, three hours before their flight to Israel. From there, each child will continue their studies in different boarding schools across Israel, ready to embark on a journey of learning and growth.
Among these young students are Alexander and Amina, siblings whose story embodies determination and hope. Born in 2009 and 2010, Alexander and Amina grew up in Bolgrad, a small remote settlement 250 km from Odessa, right on the border with Moldova. Raised by a single mother, life was not always easy, but the two siblings supported each other, excelled in school, and never lost sight of their dreams.
Although they always knew they had Jewish roots, the absence of a local Jewish community or synagogue meant little guidance was available. They were the only Jewish family in their village. Last year, a conversation with relatives in Azerbaijan opened a new world for them: they shared about the Na’aleh educational program for Jewish teenagers in Israel. Excited by the opportunity, both children immediately asked their mother to connect with the Jewish Agency in Odessa.
Alexander and Amina ready to begin their journey to Israel | Photo: C4I Ukraine
Alexander was accepted into the program right away. Amina, however, faced a delay that could have been discouraging. But her determination—and the unwavering support of her mother—kept her going. Through additional interviews, calls, and meetings, Amina finally received the “green light” to join the program.
‘I will do my best, and Israel will never regret giving me this chance.’
“The day I got permission to join the program was the best day of my life! I am very excited about going to Israel and to finally get on the plane. I am making a step into an unknown future, but I know it will all be okay. I will do my best, and Israel will never regret giving me this chance,” says Amina.
Alexander adds, “For me, this is a completely new chapter in my life. I want to study hard and become an eye doctor. I want to live in Israel and be part of the Jewish nation.”
Though Alexander will study in different cities, both are full of hope and enthusiasm, ready to embrace their new lives and contribute to Israel’s future.
We wish Alexander, Amina, and all the Na’aleh children strength, success, and the blessings of the Almighty as they start a new chapter in their lives as they become part of the Jewish nation!
These young people are ready to embrace their future in Israel. | Photo: C4I Ukraine
