First Home Update – From Paris to kibbutz

Dear friends, greetings from the “First Home in the Homeland”! We continue to welcome new families and do our best to remain flexible in today’s unstable and ever-changing world. We deeply appreciate your support and dedication, and we are delighted to share inspiring stories of our participants from all corners of the globe with you.

Marc with his coordinator Yoel. Together, they took part in the celebrations marking Kibbutz Yehiam’s 80th anniversary | Photo: JAFI

As always, this summer we opened new groups in kibbutzim in both northern and southern Israel. We are finishing the October arrivals and preparing to welcome the next group in November. As you can see, this process never stops.

In August, we welcomed a second group of French-speaking olim in kibbutz Yehiam in the North. There, they receive warm welcoming and support in their native language, learn Hebrew together, and begin building new lives in Israel.

As we shared previously, last year we launched this special project in the Mateh Asher region. Among its first participants was Marc Semiatycki, who came from Paris. Not only did Marc successfully complete the program, but he also went on to join the First  Home in the Homeland team. It is an honour for us to share his story with you.

Marc made Aliyah on August 27, 2025. He is a 61-year-old professional actor and acting teacher with more than thirty years of experience. He has devoted his life to the art of drama and to sharing his passion with others.

Marc in his element, in the world of theatre | Photo: JAFI

Marc has three daughters who live abroad, and he sincerely hopes that they will join him in Israel soon. Since he has no family in Israel, he chose to make Aliyah as part of a group and joined the “First Home in the Homeland” program.

Here’s how Marc explained his decision to change his life completely: “The events of October 7, 2023, changed my life. After this tragedy, I understood that the future of the Jewish people is in Israel, not in the Diaspora. I wanted to be part of my people’s future, so I decided to make Aliyah, settle in Israel, and take an active part in the life of Israeli society. For me, settling in northern Israel, a region severely affected by the war, is a truly Zionist undertaking. At the kibbutz, I found a wonderful community that welcomed me with great warmth and solidarity, provided me with accommodation, gave me the opportunity to learn Hebrew, and offered invaluable support throughout my integration process. After a year, I can already see how far I have come: I speak Hebrew, have found a job at a centre for people with disabilities, actively help new immigrants integrate into Israeli society, and continue to teach theatre.”

Marc in his new role, alongside residents of Kibbutz Yehiam | Photo: JAFI

Marc is not just living on the kibbutz — he has become part of its community. Although he made Aliyah on his own, he quickly adapted to life in Israel and made new friends, building a new social circle. Besides studying Hebrew, Marc took an active part in kibbutz life. Together with his group, he attended lectures and seminars and travelled around Israel. Throughout his journey, he always found support and help from the people around him.

“Making Aliyah as part of a group, and particularly through the Jewish Agency’s “First Home in the Homeland” program means becoming part of the great Zionist tradition that built the State of Israel. Thanks to the work of the Jewish Agency for Israel, the Mateh Asher Regional Council, and the people of kibbutz Yehiam, I feel like a fully engaged and happy Israeli citizen — and for that, I will be eternally grateful. I have been living at kibbutz Yehiam for a year now, and every day I feel  more strongly that this is where I belong.”

“A warm welcome is one of the greatest forms of support we can offer someone who has turned their entire life around”

We are always happy to see such a perfect match between the program, the kibbutz, and its participants. We truly believe that a warm welcome is one of the greatest forms of support we can offer someone who has turned their entire life around. At kibbutz Yehiam, this is something they know firsthand. In 2022, they joined our efforts to welcome dozens of olim from Ukraine and Russia. The kibbutzim participating in our program are home to wonderful, caring people. And we are happy that thanks to olim like Marc, this community continues to grow even stronger.

“I want to continue discovering the country and its people in all their diversity. The people of Israel have touched my heart: they are brave, strong, and always willing to help. Being surrounded by them every day gives me a strength I had never known before. I learn something new from everyone I meet, and I feel that I am part of something much greater than myself. Today, I am also fortunate to work with the “First Home in the Homeland” program, which helps families settle and integrate into Israel. I know what it means to arrive in a new place and search for your path, your words, and your place in the world. I am happy that I can use my experience to help others”.

Last week, Marc took part in an event organized by the Jewish Agency and delivered a heartfelt speech on stage in front of a large audience.

With every story like his, we realize that we are seeing the greatest results we could ever have hoped for. Our family is growing, and each new member wants to continue this work and share their skills, experience, and knowledge to help our shared home  — the Promised Land — flourish.

“With all my heart, I want to be part of this important mission: to help everyone feel at home and to contribute, as much as I can, to building the future of our people. This is a rare and special opportunity to strengthen our country and build a strong future”.

Many of these wonderful stories are possible thanks to your support and friendship over the years. Thank you for always being there for us and standing by our side.

With gratitude,

The “First Home in the Homeland” team

Aliyah from France
For many Jews in France the decision to go to Israel is very difficult. The Jewish Agency For Israel (JAFI) pays for the airline tickets. However, if they want to go to Israel they have to pay for their luggage. On top of that their belongings have to be shipped to Israel by container. But how can you afford that if you do not have any savings? And how do you sell any of these belongings for a fair price if people know that you are about to move? In cooperation Ebenezer Operation Exodus, Christians for Israel assists the French Jews. We visit the people, listen to their needs and help them to move. The costs to help one person are € 400 euros or US$ 430. 

Please support the aliyah work in France. Any amount is welcome! 

Support in €

Support in US $