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From new beginnings to full belonging

UIA understands that helping Jews return to Israel is both a national priority which the future is dependent on and that it is only the beginning. Since the founding of the state, we’ve helped over three million Jews make Aliyah and today, that mission matters more than ever. Rising antisemitism worldwide has only deepened the urgency.

Each year, thousands of new olim (immigrants) arrive with hopes, dreams, and the desire to contribute. With our partners, we provide the foundation for that journey – Hebrew language training, housing in absorption centres, career pathways, and full community integration. All with the understanding that true Aliyah means belonging, contributing, and building a future in Israel.

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Preparing for their return

Our support for Aliyah begins long before take-off. Each prospective oleh works with a local shaliach who guides the entire process: completing paperwork, securing visas, booking a free Aliyah flight, and arranging housing. This planning ensures that when new immigrants land, every detail is in place for a smooth first step in Israel.

Arriving home

At the Airport, olim are greeted, receive citizenship, and are transported to their accommodation. But the real work continues long after Olim kiss the ground of their homeland. Many move into one of 23 absorption centres or a kibbutz ulpan, where they are introduced to daily life in Israel through intensive Hebrew classes, Jewish and Israeli holiday celebrations, cultural excursions, and workshops on employment and education.

Building community

Life in the absorption centres focuses on integration. Residents join guided excursions that teach Israeli history and geography, celebrate festivals together, and attend job-placement seminars. Children enter local schools, parents receive counselling on educational options, and everyone gains practical support – from opening bank accounts to navigating healthcare.

Professions for Life

Once settled, many olim turn to our Professions for Life tracks that fast-track licensing in medicine, nursing, software engineering, culinary arts, and more. With medical Hebrew courses, exam preparation, and industry mentors, over 99 percent of participants secure jobs. Fifteen specialised tracks serve roughly 450 immigrants each year, turning new arrivals into skilled professionals and strengthening Israel’s future.

The Impact

With 23 absorption centres in operation and more than 3.5 million Jews having made Aliyah since 1948, these programs are not just changing lives – they are shaping the future of Israel.

53,680 Olim

from over 100 countries have made Aliyah since October 7 2023

10,895 Olim

supported through absorption centres and programs in 2024

1/3

of all immigrants in 2024 were aged 18-35

12,300 Olim

were provided with free intense Hebrew language courses in 2024

I always dreamed about making Aliyah and this year that dream came true. I like it here in Israel; I feel safer despite the ongoing war. I really feel I’ve come home and am eager for the rest of my family to move as well.

Daria

who made Aliyah from Ukraine in 2024

They helped me translate my diplomas and navigate the complex process of becoming an Israeli doctor. They helped me find an Ulpan, where I currently learn Hebrew, and after that they will help me find a professional Ulpan which is essential for my medical career in Israel.

Dr David Akouka

who made Aliyah from France in 2025

I feel safe here in Israel, even during times of war. The Jewish Agency reached out on October 8th and asked if we were okay and if we needed any assistance. They helped us move to Kibbutz Merhavia where we feel safe and feel like we have a role in shaping Israel’s future.

Alex Kurinets

who made Aliyah from Russia on October 2, 2023

Making Aliyah is not just a move - it’s a mission. I want to build my life here, raise a Jewish family here and serve this country with everything I’ve got. I’m here because I believe in the future of Israel. And I want to be part of it

Tamara

who made Aliyah from Paraguay in 2025

Life in Ethiopia was very difficult. Now we live in an Absorption Centre and are learning Hebrew and since making Aliyah, my wife was able to reunite with her family.

Solomon

who made Aliyah in 2024 from Gondar

I moved here from Ethiopia at 10. I was so impacted by the welcome my family received that I decided to make my career helping other new Olim integrate into their new home too.

Aviva

manager of an Absorption centre in Ashkelon

Post October 7 Response

After October 7, Keren Hayesod-UIA rapidly adapted its Aliyah and Absorption programs to meet the urgent needs of olim affected by the war and displacement. Seventeen absorption centres housing around 2,200 new immigrants were evacuated due to security concerns. But by the end of November, most had returned.

In the interim, The Jewish Agency provided comprehensive support. More than 50,000 nights of accommodation were arranged in hotels and hostels, alongside over 150,000 meals. For children, formal and informal education programs were launched, therapeutic support was made available, and activities like arts and crafts and nature excursions helped them begin to heal. Educational continuity was ensured through the distribution of 1,100 tablets and learning materials, and 130 soldier-teachers were deployed in partnership with the Home Front Command.

Absorption centres remain more than just housing solutions. They offer trauma-informed support, care, and community to olim who have only just arrived in Israel, many without extended family or local networks.

Together with our partners, we remain committed to ensuring that every new Israeli, especially those arriving during crisis, receives not only a safe landing but a strong, supported path forward.

Help our new Olim take their first steps on Israeli soil