Voices of Olim

Culture-shock, language barriers, and never-ending bureaucracy — these are just a few of the many hurdles that come with making aliyah. While such challenges understandably deter many, thousands of Jews around the world continue to uproot their lives and move to Israel, choosing an arguably more challenging lifestyle. Ironically, as the Israel-Hamas War drags on with no clear end in sight, more and more Jews in the Diaspora are choosing to call Israel home. Despite the hardships, many olim will tell you they have no regrets and that there is truly nowhere else they’d rather be.

In these uncertain times, it's important for us as olim to reflect on why we came here, and, just as importantly, why we stay. This column will explore the real-life experiences of olim across the country, in all their colorful diversity, covering various themes: the struggles, yes, but also the moments of light, strength, and inspiration that make it all worthwhile. Through these relatable stories, I hope to share not only the wide-range of difficulties experienced by olim but also the richness and beauty of living in Israel— and perhaps inspire others to take the leap and make aliyah themselves.

A land of opportunity: one young oleh’s path into hi-tech

Entering Israel’s hi-tech sphere isn’t always easy for new olim, especially without fluent Hebrew or any experience - but Jaime took the leap and now works at Oobit, a fintech company in Herzliya.

NOVEMBER 12, 2025|ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

Jaime Boolkin

Rabbi Rick and his family visit the kotel.

Nelech: inspiring the next generation of olim to make aliyah

In January 2026, Nelech, the only Orthodox program that almost fully integrates students into Israeli schools, will launch its pilot program with a cohort of 25 students from across the US.

NOVEMBER 7, 2025|ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

The event's organizers dance together.

Olim gather to celebrate Aliyah Day 2025

The evening captured both the diversity of Israel’s communities and the deep sense of purpose shared by olim from various countries, cultures, and backgrounds.

OCTOBER 31, 2025|ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

Avi Moskowitz and his wife.

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.

OCTOBER 24, 2025|ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

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.

OCTOBER 17, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

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.

OCTOBER 9, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

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.

OCTOBER 3, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

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.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

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.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

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.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

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.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

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.

AUGUST 28, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

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.

AUGUST 22, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

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

Surviving Israeli public transport as an oleh

Diving headfirst into the chaos of the Israeli public transport system amid a heatwave and the temporary shutdown of Jerusalem's light rail.

AUGUST 15, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

The Jerusalem light rail is temporarily out of service, forcing commuters onto already crowded buses or scrambling for alternative ways to get around.

Lost in translation: the joys of learning Hebrew

Many olim learning Hebrew can attest that they have at one point or another embarrassed themselves profusely either by misunderstanding, mishearing, or mispronouncing a word.

AUGUST 7, 2025ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

Hebrew language (Illustrative).