Voices of Olim

Culture-shock, language barriers, and never-ending bureaucracy — these are just a few of the many hurdles that come with making aliyah. While such challenges understandably deter many, thousands of Jews around the world continue to uproot their lives and move to Israel, choosing an arguably more challenging lifestyle. Ironically, as the Israel-Hamas War drags on with no clear end in sight, more and more Jews in the Diaspora are choosing to call Israel home. Despite the hardships, many olim will tell you they have no regrets and that there is truly nowhere else they’d rather be.

In these uncertain times, it's important for us as olim to reflect on why we came here, and, just as importantly, why we stay. This column will explore the real-life experiences of olim across the country, in all their colorful diversity, covering various themes: the struggles, yes, but also the moments of light, strength, and inspiration that make it all worthwhile. Through these relatable stories, I hope to share not only the wide-range of difficulties experienced by olim but also the richness and beauty of living in Israel— and perhaps inspire others to take the leap and make aliyah themselves.

Maryland to MDA: How an oleh found his place on Israel’s front lines

An American oleh serving as an MDA paramedic reflects on his aliyah story and the intense realities of working Israel’s emergency front lines.

FEBRUARY 20, 2026|ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

A soldier stands guard and defends the Sderot MDA station on October 7

Levi Preger (L) and Max Long, the founder of the Growing Wings Foundation.

Levi Preger: From a Dutch town to the IDF

Preger, aged 27 is a lone soldier who made aliyah from the Netherlands. For the past four years, he has been active with the Growing Wings Foundation, a nonprofit that supports lone soldiers.

FEBRUARY 12, 2026|ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

Olim navigate studying in Israel

Academic life in Israel can be challenging – from navigating a new language, culture, and bureaucracy – yet it can also be deeply rewarding.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026|ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

From L to R: KeepOlim Board Members Fabien Berdah, LiAmi Lawrence, Jessica Thangjom, and Director of Tikva, Susan Cohen.

KeepOlim: supporting olim where the system falls short

What began as an online community soon evolved into KeepOlim, a registered nonprofit now serving nearly 48,000 members across Israel.

JANUARY 29, 2026|ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

Olim reflect on why they made aliyah this year

Since October 7, rising antisemitism in the Diaspora has prompted many Jews to reconsider their futures, with Israel offering both safety and a stronger sense of community.

JANUARY 22, 2026ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators carry a banner during a protest against the arrival of an Israeli cruise ship in the port of Piraeus near Athens, Greece, June 12, 2025.

Gvahim: Two decades of helping olim build their careers

A nonprofit organization helps olim of working age translate their skills, experience, and ambitions into meaningful careers.

JANUARY 15, 2026ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

The Gvahim team.

Lauren Adilev: from everywhere to Kiryat Arba

Veteran olah, business owner, and writer Lauren Adilev, reflects on her aliyah and life in Israel.

JANUARY 9, 2026ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

Lauren Adilev

Olim’s guide to Jerusalem: best hangouts and activities for 2026

Known for its youthful energy and constant buzz, Jerusalem has plenty to offer newcomers looking to connect, explore, and enjoy city life.

DECEMBER 31, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

First Station view. Known as the Jerusalem–Khan railway station when in operation, it was used between 1892 and 1998, before the Malha station became Jerusalem’s primary rail terminus.

From aliyah to the mic: How Benny P. Leva found his voice in Jerusalem

‘To be filming big specials or having big comedians come here and perform in English - it makes Jerusalem a world-class comedy city.’

DECEMBER 25, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

Benny P. Leva performing stand-up comedy at the Misrad Hacomedy show, November 20.

Finding her place: Leora Leeder's journey from New York to Israel

Leora was drawn by a deep connection to Israel and a desire to serve in the army – in her profession.

DECEMBER 19, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

Leora and her daughter run the Jerusalem marathon.

AMLAT: Guiding young Spanish-speaking women in Israel

The program offers young women from Latin America the opportunity to study Torah in a full-time, structured framework. Of the 450 girls who have participated so far, about 30% have made aliyah.

DECEMBER 11, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

Alumni of Midreshet Lindenbaum’s Amlat program visit the Kotel.

Lost phones, good deeds: Olim share heartwarming stories on Israeli buses

Some uplifting stories from olim who saw or experienced unexpected kindness on their travels.

DECEMBER 3, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

Buses in central Jerusalem, February 12, 2025

MentOlim networking event revolutionizes job hunting for new olim

The gathering marked the first anniversary of MentOlim, an initiative that has quickly become a lifeline for olim navigating Israel’s competitive hi-tech market.

NOVEMBER 26, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

Olim job seekers have one-to-one meetings with mentors and recruiters.

'Why did you bring me here?': Panel of olim discuss 'accidental' aliyah

Who pays the price of aliyah? Some 'accidental olim' - children who made aliyah not by choice, but by circumstance - share their experiences.

NOVEMBER 20, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

Shifra Jacobs and her beloved late dog Lexi.