NA'ALEH: FILLING THE GAP FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS
by Scott Rosen

Igor (left-right), Rita and Natasha (photo by Scott Rosen)

In the Beit Shean region there are Ethiopian, Argentinean and Russian immigrants living side by side with the members of the primarily Sephardic veteran Israeli community. Na’aleh serves to absorb young immigrants who have come to Israel before their parents and to acclimate them into society. Igor, a Russian immigrant states, “in the seven months that I’ve been here, I’ve built a connection with my host family and even outside of the kibbutz.”

In order to integrate these teenagers the project offers an enrichment program which focuses upon Jewish identity and Zionism, hikes and trips to aquaint them with the land of Israel, and celebration of the holidays to deepen the connection and involvement in Israeli society. Coming from Russia where they couldn’t celebrate the holidays, Natasha says, "in Israel I celebrated Rosh Hashana and Purim for the first time, it feels good."

Now in Israel only seven months these teenagers are already taking on the challenge of learning the subjects of mathematics, physics, and chemistry in there new language Hebrew. Malka, the groups coordinator, proudly claims, "we have good pupils, motivated to succeed." In terms of planning for the future, few go back to where they were born. Rita, also a Russian immigrant who is sure she will stay, says, "I want to be in the army, be a pilot and eventually become a poet." As for Igor's aspirations, he explains his desire to be an officer in the army, "the army will help me form relationship's and give me a chance to serve in the Promised Land."

Nisan 5762 - March 2002