Voices of Olim

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.

The Gvahim team.
Lauren Adilev

Lauren Adilev: from everywhere to Kiryat Arba

 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.

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

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

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


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.

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.

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.

 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.

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.

Shifra Jacobs and her beloved late dog Lexi.

A land of opportunity: one young oleh’s path into hi-tech

Entering Israel’s hi-tech sphere isn’t always easy for new olim, especially without fluent Hebrew or any experience - but Jaime took the leap and now works at Oobit, a fintech company in Herzliya.

Jaime Boolkin

Nelech: inspiring the next generation of olim to make aliyah

In January 2026, Nelech, the only Orthodox program that almost fully integrates students into Israeli schools, will launch its pilot program with a cohort of 25 students from across the US.

Rabbi Rick and his family visit the kotel.

Olim gather to celebrate Aliyah Day 2025

The evening captured both the diversity of Israel’s communities and the deep sense of purpose shared by olim from various countries, cultures, and backgrounds.

The event's organizers dance together.

From aliyah to the IDF: olim share their experiences doing Shlav Bet

The challenges, motivations, and personal growth involved in integrating into Israeli society through serving in the IDF.

Avi Moskowitz and his wife.

From aliyah to the IDF: Shlav Bet gives olim a chance to serve  

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas War, Shlav Bet has expanded and gained new momentum, with many Israelis and olim stepping forward to fill manpower gaps and support the IDF.

IDF soldiers conducting counterterrorism operations in the Gaza Strip, September 14, 2025.