Choosing Israel: Two Teens Share Their Journey

Recently, we brought 31 Jewish teenagers from Ukraine to Israel. These young people are participating in the Na’aleh program, which offers Jewish teens from around the world the opportunity to attend an Israeli secondary school for three years—free of charge. A large group of these “Na’aleh teens” eventually make aliyah and build their future in Israel.

Leaving behind everything familiar for a life in Israel—perhaps for a few years, perhaps forever—is no small step. What inspires them to take this leap? We asked two of them.

Yaroslav (15)

“I was born and raised in Zaporizhzhia, a city in southeastern Ukraine. It’s very close to the front line, which makes life there difficult. My brother went to Israel in 2015 through the Taglit program. He later returned to Ukraine intending to make aliyah, but family circumstances forced him to stay.”

“My grandmother and aunts have lived in Israel for many years, but my parents never wanted to leave Ukraine. They had a nice apartment, good jobs, and their own business. But the war changed everything—there is no future there now, the business is no longer running, and my father cannot leave because of military service.”

“I’ve had a lot of time to think about the challenges of living in Israel without my parents, but I know I’m ready. I dream of studying law. First, though, I want to finish school, learn Hebrew, and make new friends.”

“It was hard to say goodbye to my family, my hometown, my friends, and my school. But I’m convinced that after the war, I will be reunited with my family in Israel.”

“I dream of studying law. First, though, I want to finish school, learn Hebrew, and make new friends.”

– Yaroslav, 15 years

The group of teenagers that leaves Ukraine. | Photo: C4I Ukraine

Margarita (17)

“I come from Krivoy Rog, one of the largest cities in Ukraine. In 2018, my brother left for Israel through the Selah program. After completing his studies, he returned to Ukraine—something he deeply regrets. He always spoke enthusiastically about his experiences in Israel, which made me curious and excited. My mother also encouraged me to study in Israel.”

“People say I’m mature and responsible for my age. I know what I want to achieve, and I work hard to reach my goals. I took full responsibility for preparing for my departure—I planned and organized everything myself.”

“I’m really looking forward to this great adventure. I want to learn more about Israel’s culture and traditions, learn Hebrew, explore the country, and of course, make new friends. I dream of continuing my studies and becoming a hotel manager someday.”

“My brother always spoke enthusiastically about his experiences in Israel, which made me curious and excited.”

– Margarita, 17 years

At Christians for Israel, we are grateful to see an increasing number of young Jewish teenagers—like Yaroslav and Margarita—choosing to live, study, and build their future in Israel. May they all contribute to the development and prosperity of the land that has been given to the Jewish people by the Almighty as an eternal inheritance.

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