Helping Olim Begin a New Chapter

Every time we meet families preparing to make aliyah, I find myself wondering how their journey began. No two stories are ever the same. For some, aliyah grows out of a lifelong dream, years of careful planning, and a deep desire to build a future in Israel. For others, circumstances force difficult decisions, with war and uncertainty leaving them little choice but to seek safety and hope elsewhere.

Recently  we had the privilege of accompanying several families on their journey to Moldova, where they would continue their travel to Israel. As always, each family carried its own story, its own challenges, and its own reasons for taking this significant step.

These families recently made Aliyah | Photo: C4I Ukraine

Reuniting With Loved Ones

Among the travelers were Alexander and Larisa, a retired couple from Ukraine. As the years passed, they increasingly felt the desire to be closer to family. Their children had already settled in Israel and had been eagerly waiting for their parents to join them.

Rather than facing the future alone, Alexander and Larisa chose to begin a new chapter surrounded by the people they love most.

Alexandra and Larissa. | Photo: C4I

The Greatest Birthday Gift

For Eleonora, this journey carried an extra layer of significance. On the very day of departure, she celebrated her 65th birthday. Together with her husband, Yorick, she was finally making Aliyah. “It is the best present for my birthday, a gift from the Almighty,” she shared with a smile.

Their three daughters are already living in Israel. In fact, the youngest daughter made aliyah just four months ago and immediately began encouraging her parents to follow. Although Eleonora and Yorick had hoped to wait a little longer, but the ongoing shelling in Kyiv convinced them that the time had come.

Now, instead of facing uncertainty, they are looking forward to celebrating future birthdays together with their children and grandchildren in Israel.

Inspired by a Daughter’s Journey

One of the most remarkable stories is that of Siyana.

We first met Siyana last year when she was one of the students traveling to Israel through the Na’ale Program. Since then, she has been studying at Beit Ulpana High School in Jerusalem.

When speaking about her experience, her enthusiasm is unmistakable.

“I love my school. I love Israel. I feel safe there. In Israel I gained confidence, Jewish identity, and independence. I want to finish school, contribute to Israeli society, and I want my family in Israel too.”

During her summer break, Siyana returned to Ukraine to visit her family. But she came back with more than stories from her new life. She came with a vision. Her younger sister, Hannah, only 13 years old, also dreamed of studying in Israel and following in her sister’s footsteps. While she is still too young to join the Naale program independently, her desire to build a future in Israel was strong.

Eventually, their mother decided to make the journey with her daughters. And so, on this day, the entire family embarked on aliyah together. Siyana and Hannah will continue their education at Beit Ulpana, while their mother begins a new life in the Land of Israel.

Siyana convinced her mother and sister to make Aliayh. | Photo: C4I Ukraine

More Than a Journey

Every family that steps onto a bus carries more than luggage. They bring memories, hopes, concerns, and countless questions about what life will look like in the months ahead. Each family follows a different timeline. Each faces unique practical challenges. Yet at the heart of every story there is the search for fa sense of belonging.

We are grateful to play a small role in helping these families take their first steps toward a new future. As Alexander and Larisa, Eleonora and Yorick, Siyana, Hannah, and many other olim begin this exciting new chapter, we pray for smooth integration, renewed strength, abundant blessings, and the peace of the Almighty.

May their journey be filled with hope, and may Israel truly become home.

Arrival at Ben Gurion airport.