Making aliyah

Since October 2023, the number of new immigrants to Israel has swelled to 53,765, reflecting the growing desire of Jews from all over the world to make aliyah despite the war.

Barri and Susan Rifkin made their dream a reality and discovered their arrival in Israel coincided with the national day honoring Aliyah.

We asked a few recent arrivals why they decided to make the move now, and how they feel about celebrating their first Rosh Hashanah as Israeli citizens.

Despite the unstable situation in Israel, we know we made the right decision to come. Personally, I appreciate the feeling of belonging that only teaching in Israel allows me.

Dr. Scott Lawrence reflects on his nearly 30 years in Israel, “My life is fantastic. This is prophecy fulfilled, and I feel blessed to be privileged to raise my family here.”

Daily bureaucratic obstacles can really take a toll on new immigrants who are trying to find their footing in a new country.

Since launching his Israeli culture podcast in February 2024, Jake Gillis has discovered that heroes and celebrities are often genuinely nice people even at eye level. 

The committee decided to debate the proposal once again in a month’s time.

Over 100 new immigrants arrived in Israel this past week alone.

Despite the challenges of daily life in Israel, with his apartment, and the culture-shock of adjusting to a new country, former New Yorker Heshy Engelsberg has no regrets.

Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer was in Azerbaijan during the strike for a conference with the Jewish Agency, and was later directed to fly to Cyprus to return to Israel.