Voices of Olim
Olim recall moments of unexpected kindness
When life here feels overwhelming, even the smallest act of kindness or compassion can make all the difference.
Aliyah in wartime: Why move to Israel during conflict?
Survival tips for grocery shopping in Israel
Shopping in Israel: chaos, carts, and comedy
Israel’s healthcare through an olah’s eyes: one woman’s story of struggle and strength
The combination of language barriers, bureaucracy, and cultural differences can make even routine appointments overwhelming.
Navigating Israel’s healthcare system as an oleh
The experiences of olim navigating Israel’s healthcare system— stories that are often frustrating and relatable, sometimes amusing, and at times even inspiring.
Surviving Israeli public transport as an oleh
Diving headfirst into the chaos of the Israeli public transport system amid a heatwave and the temporary shutdown of Jerusalem's light rail.
Lost in translation: the joys of learning Hebrew
Many olim learning Hebrew can attest that they have at one point or another embarrassed themselves profusely either by misunderstanding, mishearing, or mispronouncing a word.
Deemed unfit to drive by Israeli bureaucracy
Getting a driver’s license in Israel can feel like surviving an obstacle course - it’s not just a test of driving skill but also of patience, resilience, and pure willpower.
Bureaucracy battles: how do olim deal with the Israeli postal service?
Another common hurdle that nearly every oleh has encountered.
Bureaucratic battles: The struggles of new Israeli olim at the Interior Ministry
Daily bureaucratic obstacles can really take a toll on new immigrants who are trying to find their footing in a new country.
Shifra Jacobs: Adjusting to life in Israel as a young olah
From Manchester to the IDF: a young woman’s journey of aliyah, adaptation, and finding her voice in a new country.
Heshy Engelsberg: A bumpy and painful aliyah journey, but with no regrets
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.