By Nativia Samuelsen

Amid one of the darkest times in Israel’s history, Aliyah continues as new immigrants are arriving in the Jewish homeland from all corners of the world. Many of these immigrants have fled war-torn regions or left behind everything they knew. For them, the journey is not merely relocation; it marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunity, faith and community.

Since its founding, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) has been committed to supporting Aliyah and planting Jews in their ancestral homeland. This includes supporting two current projects that are transforming the lives of new Israeli immigrants: the Tel Ran Computer Training Program and the Physician Training Program.

The Tel Ran Computer Training Program offers significant opportunities for those arriving with dreams of joining Israel’s dynamic tech industry, the country’s largest sector. Immigrants from Russian-speaking countries, many fleeing the troubles in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, find both community and the chance to acquire essential skills for success in Israel’s vibrant hi-tech industries.

This program is more than just coding lessons – it’s an investment in the future. Participants receive comprehensive training, including Hebrew language courses, technical skills in Java and cybersecurity, and career development. The program’s goal is not simply to help immigrants find a job, but to enable them to build a stable life in Israel for themselves and their families.

For example, Vitaly Trachtenberg is a father of three from Minsk, Belarus. His journey to Israel was years in the making. He had always longed to return to the roots of his Jewish heritage, but it was not until April 2024 that he finally decided to leave and start anew in Israel with his family. Before immigrating, Vitaly owned a small IT business. Now, as he sits in a classroom in Israel learning Java script and Hebrew, his dreams of joining Israel’s thriving hi-tech industry are becoming a reality. He is excited about the possibilities, sharing his journey on Instagram and Facebook, where his posts resonate with others considering the same leap. For Vitaly, Israel is not just a place to settle – it is his homeland, where he can contribute to a place he has always felt connected to. His story shows the power of this program.

Furthermore, the Physician Training Program at Ye’elim is another vital Jewish Agency initiative helping new immigrants integrate into Israeli society. Israel has long struggled with a shortage of doctors, and with the influx of immigrants – many of whom have medical degrees from their home countries – here is an opportunity to address this gap in a way that has not been done before. The Physician Training Program is an eight-month course that equips these medical professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to practice in Israel.

Through the support of ICEJ, 45 doctors were recently able to participate in this vital program. The training includes housing for participants and their families, 500 hours of Hebrew language classes, and in-depth training on Israel’s medical system. It includes six months of coursework for the Israeli medical licensing exam, hospital visits to underserved regions, and practical experience at Rambam and Soroka hospitals. The program also helps with bureaucratic processes and exams, alongside trips to historic sites in Israel.

By addressing the shortage of medical professionals, it ensures that these new immigrants are equipped to contribute to the country’s healthcare system and society as a whole.

Since our founding in September 1980, the Christian Embassy has assisted nearly 190,000 Jews in making Aliyah and integrating into Israel. This represents more than ten percent of the Jews who have returned home to Israel in the past 45 years. They come from the north, south, east and west – just as the Bible promises.

“The Jewish Agency For Israel extends our deepest gratitude to the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem for your unwavering partnership, especially during this unprecedented time,” a JAFI official recently wrote us. “Your generous gifts have enabled us to impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of people by promoting Aliyah and absorption, assisting vulnerable Israelis, including victims of terror, and supporting our highest priority emergency needs.”

By supporting the ICEJ’s Aliyah and integration efforts, you are answering the summons of Scripture for Gentiles to get involved in the great prophetic Ingathering of Israel (Isaiah 49:22-23).

Join us in supporting new immigrants as they build their lives anew in Israel. Your involvement makes a tangible difference in their journey and in the growth of Israel’s future. Donate today at: help.icej.org/aliyah