By: Marelinke van der Riet

Despite the ongoing war in Israel, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem is still helping to bring Jews back to their ancient homeland. In September, for example, the ICEJ sponsored two group flights with 42 Jewish high school students in total from Ukraine and Moldova who came to study in Israel as a step towards making Aliyah.

The Jewish Agency for Israel had initially expected around 20 students, but by the end of the month, thanks to the second ICEJ-sponsored flight under the Naale program, the total number of new arrivals reached more than double the expected number, with 18 from Ukraine and 5 from Moldova.

“Unbelievable as it may seem, a second group of Naale Youth Aliyah teens just arrived from war-torn Ukraine to their homeland of Israel,” remarked Danielle Mor of the Jewish Agency. “Despite the ongoing conflict and recent escalations here, these teens and their families remained resolute in their decision to come home.”

These 14- and 15-year-olds arrived without their parents, participating in a program that began in 1992 in St. Petersburg, Russia, and was inspired by the Youth Aliyah movement of World War II.

Another group of Youth Aliyah students will arrive by the end of this month, and the Jewish Agency has once again called on the Christian Embassy to assist with their journey.

The second group of Ukrainian teens arrived in Israel in late September on an ICEJ-sponsored flight, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. These young people are part of a larger group of over 70 immigrant students from other former Soviet states. Many more will arrive in the coming weeks, with all their flights sponsored by ICEJ.

These older teens are participating in the Jewish Agency’s SELA program, a transformative initiative designed to help Jewish youth, ages 17 to 21, to make Aliyah, study at Israeli universities, and integrate better into the local society.

The program focuses on Hebrew, Israeli culture, and higher education. For these teens, their journey represents more than an escape from difficult circumstances—it is a return to their ancestral homeland, where they will build new futures.

While political instability in their home countries has posed significant challenges, these teens are driven by the hope of starting anew. The SELA program provides them with a structured, supportive pathway to integrate into Israel. In its first phase, participants study Hebrew and Israeli culture, preparing for either academic life or military service. After six months, they transition to full immigrant status and begin the formal Aliyah process.

Leaving their homes was not an easy decision. For many, it meant parting from loved ones and leaving behind lives shaped by conflict. Yet, despite these hardships, these young people have found hope in the promise of a better future in Israel.

The SELA program is not just academic; it is a lifeline, offering both emotional and practical support. It equips them with the skills needed to build a new life, giving them a sense of belonging and purpose.

The program culminates in a ceremony where the teens receive their Israeli ID cards, symbolising their new identity and marking the beginning of their integration into Israeli society. This moment goes beyond paperwork; it represents a profound transformation, grounded in the resilience and strength of the Jewish people.

The ICEJ has played a vital role in supporting these teens throughout their Aliyah journey. From assisting with visas and testing to providing logistical support, the ICEJ ensures that these young people have the resources they need as they transition to life in Israel. This assistance is especially crucial for those who have experienced the trauma of conflict.

The arrival of these young immigrants is part of a broader story of Jewish resilience. Throughout history, Jews have returned to Israel during times of crisis, whether fleeing persecution or escaping war. These teens are continuing that tradition—rebuilding their lives in a land that has always been their spiritual home.

As Israel faces its own challenges, these new arrivals embody the enduring spirit of hope and renewal. They serve as a reminder that, even in the darkest times, the Jewish people continue to return, rebuild and thrive.

Despite the challenges they have faced in both Ukraine and Israel, these Jewish teens are taking their first steps toward a new life in Israel. The country offers opportunities for transformation. They will have much to contribute to Israeli society, whether through education, military service, or career development, helping to shape the future of the nation.

As they settle into their new lives, these Jewish youths remind us of the power of Aliyah. Their life stories are just beginning, filled with the hope and promise of a brighter days in Israel.

Donate today to help more Jewish teens like these realise their dreams. Your generous contributions will support the ICEJ in sponsoring flights and providing vital assistance to ensure their successful integration in Israel. Together, we can offer these young people a future rooted in safety, opportunity and hope.

Donate today: help.icej.org/aliyah

Photo credits: JAFI