As Israelis marked Aliyah Day on Wednesday, October 29, communities across the country gathered to honor those who have chosen to make Israel their home. For many olim, the day offered a rare moment to pause, reflect on their journeys, and reconnect with the reasons they made aliyah.
Among the celebrations nationwide was the “From Around the World” event held at the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv, a new integration initiative run in collaboration with Nefesh B'Nefesh, the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality, and the Nadav Foundation. The event marks the second year of the expansion of the "Oleh Oleh" project, which aims to strengthen the Jewish-Israeli identity among new olim.
The evening featured a guided tour of the museum's lobby and galleries as well as round-table discussions, in several languages, capturing both the diversity of Israel’s communities and the deep sense of purpose shared by olim from various countries, cultures, and backgrounds. Every oleh, the organizers emphasized, contributes to shaping Israel’s society and future.
Oded Revivi, CEO of the ANU Museum added: "The State of Israel is a remarkable success story of immigration. From 1948 to today, each wave of aliyah has strengthened our society and enriched our culture."
ANU's mission, he said is "to help new immigrants see themselves as part of the shared Jewish-Israeli story by celebrating our history, humor, and cultural diversity. At the museum, they encounter a living narrative that connects communities and reinforces our common identity."
During these turbulent times, "it is essential that olim feel welcomed, valued, and at home here. Strengthening their sense of connection enriches our society and honors the contributions they bring to Israel’s future.”
Olim marketplace
The event opened with an “olim marketplace,” a tour through the museum’s lobby and galleries, offered in several languages, followed by a presentation of short aliyah films from the archives of ANU's Oster Center for Visual Documentation.
Throughout the lobby, a variety of stalls showcased businesses owned by olim including homemade chocolates, whisky, art, jewelry, and more. The atmosphere was lively and festive, as new and veteran immigrants mingled while exploring the displays representing Jewish communities from around the world.
Around the table
Attendees then moved into round-table discussions held in several languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Russian. At the English-speaking table, there were olim from the United States, England, Canada, and South Africa. Some had made aliyah years earlier and served in the IDF; others had arrived only months ago, and one participant was still in the process of making aliyah.
Despite their varied backgrounds, several common threads emerged: a deep love for Israel, the desire to strengthen one’s Jewish identity, and concern about the global rise in antisemitism. For some, feeling safe and secure as a Jew in Israel was a decisive factor in moving or choosing to stay.
Participants shared both the struggles of moving to Israel - bureaucratic battles, culture shock, learning Hebrew, integration challenges, and navigating public transportation - as well as the rewarding aspects: a powerful sense of solidarity, being surrounded by people who share one’s religion and culture, and feeling connected to the land.
They also shared candid, relatable stories, often involving humorous Hebrew mishaps. The laughter around the table made it clear that, despite the challenges, these olim were happy with their decision. There is something uniquely unifying about the shared immigrant experience.
The impact of war
October 7 and the ensuing war have also shaped many attendees’ perspectives. One man spoke openly about how the events shifted his outlook: the sadness of witnessing national polarization, the fear Jews feel abroad, and the conviction that he ultimately feels safer in Israel. Others around the table nodded in agreement.
For several attendees, the war has only deepened their sense of Zionism and strengthened their commitment to remaining in Israel.
Overcoming challenges
An Israeli man who works for Taglit also joined the table, curious to hear firsthand about the experiences of olim. After listening to the stories of frustration and adjustment, he asked the table bluntly: How do you cope with the challenges of living here? Doesn’t it make you frustrated or want to go home?
Everyone responded immediately: yes, they do get frustrated - often. But they have learned, over time, “lizrom” (to go with the flow). Frustrating moments often become funny stories later, and learning to laugh at oneself is essential. As one participant put it, “If you don’t laugh, you’ll never cope with living here. It’s hard.”
Everyone agreed that living in Israel requires determination and passion. It is not easy, but it is undeniably worth it.
A joyful ending
The evening closed with a lively concert in the museum lobby, featuring classic Israeli songs from the 1940s until today, that was both entertaining and uplifting. As music filled the space and attendees sang, danced, and laughed together, I was reminded of why I made aliyah in the first place. Despite the obstacles and the chaos of life in Israel, there is nowhere else I would rather be.