Mariam’s Story – Aliyah and Absorption

A Lifeline of Support: How UIA Donors Helped Mariam and Her Family Begin Again

Making Aliyah is often the fulfilment of a lifelong dream filled with hope, courage, and the desire to build a better future. But for many new immigrants, especially those arriving from vulnerable or complex backgrounds, the road to integration can be overwhelming.

In these moments, the support provided by UIA and our strategic partners, including The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), becomes not only meaningful but essential.

A New Beginning, and an Unexpected Crisis

This is the story of Mariam (name changed to protect her identity), a woman in her 30s who recently made Aliyah from Ethiopia. She arrived in Israel with the hope of starting over and building a new life.

Not long after arriving, Mariam gave birth to a healthy baby boy. But shortly after the birth, she experienced a sudden and serious mental health episode that required hospitalisation.

With no immediate family available to care for the newborn and the father unwilling to take responsibility, welfare services were forced to intervene. Temporary custody of the baby was granted to ensure his safety and well-being. It was a heartbreaking, but necessary decision.

A Sister’s Love and a Community’s Support

At the same time, Selam (also a pseudonym), Mariam’s sister, was doing all she could to help. Living in an absorption centre and raising two young children of her own, including a baby, Selam desperately wanted to keep her nephew within the family.

But she faced her own challenges including parenting young children, full-time work, financial pressures, and the demanding experience of building a life in a new country.

That’s when UIA, in partnership with JAFI and the local welfare department, stepped in.

Thanks to a special emergency relief grant, Selam received vital assistance. The support helped cover the cost of baby formula, enabled her to arrange part-time childcare and eased the financial strain after being temporarily furloughed from her job. This lifeline allowed her to step in and care for her nephew, keeping him safe, loved and close to his family during a critical time.

Healing, Rebuilding, and Moving Forward

After about a month in hospital, Mariam was discharged and continued her rehabilitation with another family member in Beit Shemesh. With the help of her loved ones, dedicated social services, and the time and space to recover, she gradually regained her strength.

Today, Mariam is reunited with her son and living back in the absorption centre. Her journey to independence continues, one day and one milestone at a time. Her baby boy is healthy, growing, and surrounded by love.

Thank You for Making a Difference

Behind every successful Aliyah experience is not just determination but a network of care and a compassionate community who steps in when it matters most. This story is a reminder of what your support makes possible. Because of donors like you, a family was preserved. A child was protected. And a young mother was given the opportunity to heal and begin again. Thank you.

Find out more about the UIA-supported Aliyah and Absorption program and donate today: