When LiAmi Lawrence made aliyah from Los Angeles in 2014, he thought he was prepared. He had worked in nonprofit communications, served as a media director at Israel’s Consulate General in the Southwest, worked in nonprofit public relations, produced major Jewish community events, and even built a career as a comedian with a popular weekly radio show.
But life in Israel proved far harder than he had expected. Despite his extensive professional background, Lawrence struggled to find steady work and soon faced the financial strain that many new immigrants know all too well. At his lowest point, he said that his neighbors brought him food - and more than once, he considered leaving Israel altogether.
Learn how to buy your home in Israel with confidenceLawrence is far from alone. Many olim arrive in Israel driven by idealism or Zionist aspirations, only to confront the harsh realities of living here - financial, emotional, and social - that can make the transition far more difficult than they expected.
From a Facebook group to a national network
After watching many friends return abroad, Lawrence also decided that perhaps it was time for him to leave too. It was his friend Tal Ekrony who convinced him to stay, and suggested he start a Facebook group to share his experiences honestly. Within a week, thousands of olim from around the world had joined the group, and started sharing their struggles.
What began as an online community soon evolved into KeepOlim, a registered nonprofit now serving nearly 48,000 members across Israel. The organization offers crisis support, mental health services, food assistance, employment support, legal aid, and advocacy, filling gaps in a system that often overlooks the realities of life after aliyah.
Drawing from his own experiences to guide the organization’s work, Lawrence co-founded and now leads KeepOlim, together with co-founder Tzvika Graiver, a native-born Israeli, entrepreneur, and lawyer. While volunteering with Nefesh B’Nefesh, Tzvika noticed a troubling trend: olim arriving in Israel were quietly leaving soon after. Recognizing that the system focuses on bringing people to Israel but not on helping them stay, he and Liami share a vision and commitment to supporting olim long-term by addressing the challenges that too often drive them away.
Mental health at the core
Mental health quickly became central to KeepOlim’s work. Through its Tikva program, the organization provides therapy in 15 languages or at low cost, or free for lone soldiers. The need is urgent, Lawrence says. Many olim - often lone soldiers - struggle with trauma, depression, and isolation.
Tikva responds to thousands of crisis calls each year, providing support, accompanying olim to hospitals, and helping prevent self-harm. The program now includes a 24/7 emotional support hotline staffed by trained volunteers and mental health professionals. In many cases, the intervention is lifesaving.
Meeting basic needs
Many new olim struggle financially, sometimes just to meet their basic needs or to put food on the table. Food insecurity became even worse during the COVID lockdowns, prompting KeepOlim to launch the “KeepOlim Feeds Olim” initiative, which now accounts for one-third of the organization’s budget.
The program distributes $215,000 in supermarket gift cards to over 1,150 families and delivers groceries to those in need. It also supports vulnerable communities like the Bnei Menashe in Tiberias as well as to elderly Russian and Ukrainian olim. During the recent war, demand surged as olim faced displacement, unemployment, or solo parenting. Once again, KeepOlim filled gaps left by overstretched state services.
Supporting lone soldiers
Lone soldiers are another key focus of the organization. KeepOlim’s Lone Soldier Unit, run by senior director Michael Meyerheim, provides advocacy, emotional support, and practical assistance. Many soldiers avoid official channels in moments of crisis, but KeepOlim intervenes directly, coordinating with commanding officers and preventing harm. The organization also works with the Bodedim Coalition - a group of organizations - to legislation securing basic rights for discharged lone soldiers.
Navigating bureaucracy and legal aid
Much of KeepOlim’s work happens behind the scenes. Volunteers help olim navigate Bituach Leumi, unemployment benefits, medical coverage, and family reunification. During COVID travel bans, the organization helped bring families to Israel through direct advocacy. KeepOlim also provides legal guidance on contracts and professional licensing, while lobbying for policies that make life easier for new immigrants.
Building community
Beyond crisis support, KeepOlim combats isolation. Its “No Oleh Alone for the Holidays” program matches olim with host families, allowing over 1,500 participants - many Russian and Ukrainian olim - to experience Jewish holidays in Israel for the first time.
The organization also helps olim adapt their resumes and professional experience to the Israeli job market.
A practical, human mission
For Lawrence, KeepOlim became both a lifeline and a calling. His story reflects the organization’s guiding belief: aliyah does not end at the airport.
By addressing the quiet crises - loneliness, mental health struggles, empty fridges, and bureaucratic confusion - KeepOlim helps determine whether olim build lasting lives in Israel or slip away unnoticed.
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