Aleksander’s Story – Aliyah and Absorption

Coming Home: Alexander’s Journey to Israel 

• Alexander arrived in Israel just days before the October 7 attacks and found himself navigating war as a new immigrant.
• The UIA-supported Aliyah and Absorption program provided immediate support, ensuring his safety, helping retrieve his belongings, and assisting in his integration.
• Despite the challenges of war, he feels a deep sense of belonging and is determined to contribute to Israeli society. 

Alexander shares his story and explains how UIA’s Aliyah and Absorption program is supporting his integration into Israeli society

Leaving Russia for a new beginning 

For Alexander Kurinets, making Aliyah had been a long-time dream. On October 2, 2023, just days before the October 7 attacks, he arrived in Israel from Russia, seeking a new life in a country where he had always felt he truly belonged. What should have been a period of transition quickly turned into a time of crisis, as war broke out and threatened the very land he had just chosen as his home. 

On October 7, Alexander and his family were visiting relatives when they heard the devastating news unfolding—terrorists had attacked the region they had settled into just days before. The shock was immediate, but Alexander quickly understood one thing: he was in the right place. “In Russia, I never understood the reasons behind the war—I felt like a pawn in someone else’s game. Here, in Israel, I may be afraid, but at least I understand why we are fighting,” he said. 

Navigating war as an Oleh Hadash

Adjusting to a new country is difficult under any circumstances, but doing so in the middle of a war presents unimaginable challenges. For Alexander, the support of UIA and The Jewish Agency through their Aliyah programs was critical. Just one day after the attack, Jewish Agency representatives contacted him to ensure he was safe and provided guidance on the next steps. Their swift response reassured him that he was not alone in this journey. 

When Alexander and his family moved to their assigned kibbutz, they faced another obstacle—retrieving their belongings from the south, which had become a war zone. The Jewish Agency once again stepped in, coordinating a logistics operation to safely transport their belongings, ensuring they could properly settle into their new home. 

“Without this help, we would have been lost,” Alexander said. “We came here with nothing but the hope for a better future, and they made sure we had the foundation to build one.”