Voices of Olim

KeepOlim: supporting olim where the system falls short

What began as an online community soon evolved into KeepOlim, a registered nonprofit now serving nearly 48,000 members across Israel.

From L to R: KeepOlim Board Members Fabien Berdah, LiAmi Lawrence, Jessica Thangjom, and Director of Tikva, Susan Cohen.
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.

Olim reflect on why they made aliyah this year

The Gvahim team.

Gvahim: Two decades of helping olim build their careers

Lauren Adilev

Lauren Adilev: from everywhere to Kiryat Arba


From aliyah to the IDF: olim share their experiences doing Shlav Bet

The challenges, motivations, and personal growth involved in integrating into Israeli society through serving in the IDF.

Avi Moskowitz and his wife.

From aliyah to the IDF: Shlav Bet gives olim a chance to serve  

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas War, Shlav Bet has expanded and gained new momentum, with many Israelis and olim stepping forward to fill manpower gaps and support the IDF.

IDF soldiers conducting counterterrorism operations in the Gaza Strip, September 14, 2025.

Choosing Israel: why olim stay during wartime

Reflections from olim as to why they chose to make aliyah - and stay.

Olim from France who arrived in Israel during the war. Illustrative

Olim share stories of acts of unexpected kindness (Part II)

These acts of kindness may seem small in the grand scheme of things, but for new olim navigating the challenges of starting over, they can have a lasting impact.

An illustrative image of a man blowing a shofar outside an El Al plane in Israel.

Olim recall moments of unexpected kindness

When life here feels overwhelming, even the smallest act of kindness or compassion can make all the difference.

NEW IMMIGRANTS from France arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport in June.

Aliyah in wartime: Why move to Israel during conflict?

Olim share why they made aliyah amid conflict or why they choose to stay.

Despite recent 12-day war with Iran, Nefesh B’Nefesh expects 2,000 North American Olim during 2025 summer season.

Survival tips for grocery shopping in Israel

Olim provide practical guidance for how to make shopping in Israel feel less overwhelming and more manageable.

 Mahaneh_Yehudah

Shopping in Israel: chaos, carts, and comedy

Whether it be Rami Levy or Osher Ad, even a simple trip to the grocery store can feel like an episode of Kupa Reshit.

Shopping in Israel can also be an exhausting and overwhelming experience, says the writer.

Israel’s healthcare through an olah’s eyes: one woman’s story of struggle and strength

The combination of language barriers, bureaucracy, and cultural differences can make even routine appointments overwhelming.

 Test results are often difficult to understand in Hebrew.

Navigating Israel’s healthcare system as an oleh

The experiences of olim navigating Israel’s healthcare system— stories that are often frustrating and relatable, sometimes amusing, and at times even inspiring.

 View of a Maccabi Health Center in Modi'in, on January 26, 2021.