Every year, thousands of people worldwide choose to convert to Judaism. However, the journey doesn’t end with the final steps of conversion. In fact, that’s where the challenges truly begin. Navigating new communities, finding one’s place in Jewish life, and building a sense of belonging can be daunting and overwhelming for many converts.
In Israel, Ohev Ger, a nonprofit founded in 2021 by Rabbi Menachem Weinberg, was created to meet precisely this need. Supporting hundreds of converts annually, the organization provides assistance in welfare, employment, community integration, and spiritual guidance, while advocating for the successful absorption of converts into Israeli society.
As conversion rates rise around the world, Ohev Ger has become a crucial source of stability and support for converts as they begin new lives in Israel.
A gathering of support and celebration
On October 20, the organization hosted its largest event to date. Under Your Wings, a gathering of roughly 100 converts, friends, and supporters took place at the Nefesh B’Nefesh Center in Jerusalem. The evening offered a rare chance for converts to come together, share their stories, and celebrate the blessings of their journeys.
The program included discussion circles, a panel conversation, and an address by Rabbi Weinberg. Topics in the discussion groups ranged widely, from navigating community and school challenges to discovering one’s personal Jewish style, where they fit in, and managing family relationships.
During the panel discussion, titled “Loving the Ger: Personal Experiences,” participants were given the opportunity to share the challenges and realities that follow conversion: moments of struggle, transformative encounters, as well as the small acts of kindness that helped them feel seen.
Registration was free, light refreshments were served, and attendees were invited to visit a memorial corner set aside to honor loved ones.
The warm, intimate atmosphere drew converts of all ages and backgrounds from various countries – some newly converted and others who converted decades ago – all eager for the opportunity to connect with others who understood their shared experiences and challenges.
The event drew praise from many who attended. For many converts, feeling accepted in Jewish communities can be difficult and often isolating.
Several attendees shared how moving and meaningful it was to finally be in a room full of people who understood that reality and in a space where they felt accepted, welcomed, and appreciated.
“Converts are usually treated as second-class members of the community who are regarded as knowing nothing,” one participant said. Another added, “To hear about someone truly loving the ger is rare.”
But at the event, this sense of exclusion gave way to connection. Attendees described feeling embraced, encouraged, and supported rather than scrutinized.
One participant reflected: “I felt at ease because of how warm and welcoming the environment felt. The feeling of acceptance was very real,” while another said, “The gathering helped me to feel less alone as a convert.”
Others emphasized the importance of such events not only for converts but also for educating those who grew up Jewish about the challenges that converts face and how to support them.
“This kind of event has a dual purpose. For converts, they can meet and discuss issues; and for people who were raised Jewish, they can be exposed to the issues converts face and perhaps help in the future.”
Several attendees came away from the event feeling uplifted. One summed it up nicely: “It was amazing to meet so many inspiring people. I came out very inspired and felt understood. There should be more supportive spaces like this.”
Creating a culture of belonging
As the evening drew to a close, one message resonated clearly: Community after conversion matters. Ohev Ger’s work highlights an often overlooked truth – that belonging doesn’t happen automatically, and that support, visibility, and understanding can transform a convert’s experience.
The event also underscored the need for creating spaces where converts can share their stories openly, without having to explain themselves, without being second-guessed, and where their courage and journeys are truly honored.
In a country defined by diverse communities and a wide spectrum of religious expression, Ohev Ger plays a pivotal role in making converts feel recognized and accepted within Israeli society.