Olim

Jodi Samuels’s journey: Aliyah, advocacy, and community

Samuels reflects on her aliyah and advocacy journey: 'I wanted two things in my life: to live in Israel and to have an open home.'

Jodi Samuels, founder of JIC and Jodi's Voice.
An Israeli couple walks towards the Arrivals gate in the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel on April 30, 2016

Knesset approves bill preventing double taxation for US olim, exempting National Insurance payments

Naftali Bennett speaks during a conference at the Reichman University in Herzliya, on January 22, 2026.

Bennett pledges security focus and cost of living cuts in comeback bid campaign

Levi Preger (L) and Max Long, the founder of the Growing Wings Foundation.

Levi Preger: From a Dutch town to the IDF


Emergence of a new Anglo demographic in Israel requires a change of priorities - opinion

The English-speaking Aliyah map is changing; can our communal structures and our collective vision change with it?

 RABBI JOE and the JLIC TLV community members bring an ice cream truck to evacuees in Tel Aviv hotels.

People, not products: Ehud Barak’s 'quality control' aliyah comment is a moral failure - editorial

Leaders can debate housing, jobs, infrastructure, and schools in plain terms. “Quality control” belongs to products, not people.

Ehud Barak and Jeffrey Epstein

Olim navigate studying in Israel

Academic life in Israel can be challenging – from navigating a new language, culture, and bureaucracy – yet it can also be deeply rewarding.

.

Over 300 olim attend community fair in Tel Aviv to connect with local support networks

457 new olim from the United States and Canada moved to Tel Aviv–Yafo in 2025 — a rise of more than 45% over three years.

Tel Aviv community event

Jerusalang: Using language to connect people in Jerusalem

Jerusalang is turning Jerusalem’s mix of languages into a thriving social hub, bringing Jews, Arabs, locals, and newcomers together.

Jerusalang has become a social hub.

The birthday I forgot and the leverage I lost - opinion

In addition to revitalizing the Hebrew language, the reborn State of Israel also made Hebrew birthdays a thing.

Illustrative

Layla Blenden: Jewelry of kindness

Blenden has begun selling her pieces at craft fairs and pop-up exhibitions showcasing the work of olim hadashim in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. She donates all proceeds to a charity fund in the US.

Layla Blenden.

Olim reflect on why they made aliyah this year

Since October 7, rising antisemitism in the Diaspora has prompted many Jews to reconsider their futures, with Israel offering both safety and a stronger sense of community.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators carry a banner during a protest against the arrival of an Israeli cruise ship in the port of Piraeus near Athens, Greece, June 12, 2025.

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.

IDF unveils ‘Olim Al Bet’ program for fast-track immigrant reserve enlistment

The IDF said the program is open to Olim with a basic command of Hebrew and requires a commitment to active reserve service of approximately five years, subject to operational needs.

 IDF reservists joining the "David Brigades," the five new reservist brigades announced by IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, December 17, 2024.