Olim

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.
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

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

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


The spirit of Zionism: In the days after war - opinion

The brave and difficult decision of moving to Israel often comes from points of deep emotion, moments that remind us of our common national destiny and of our connection to the land.

NEW IMMIGRANTS from France arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport in June. The number of aliyah files opened by individuals and families expressing interest in future immigration has surged dramatically, says the writer.

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.

Ceremony to honor 96 fallen immigrant soldiers to be held on National Aliyah Day

The main event will include the presentation of a book commemorating the stories of the 96 fallen olim, with several keynote speakers.

 IDF SOLDIERS operate in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, in November.

Your Taxes: What new immigrants and returning residents need to know before aliyah to Israel

“New residents” and “senior returning residents” who lived abroad 10 years are entitled to a package of income-tax benefits.

Calculating taxes

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

Nina Verzhbolovich: Russian olah builds cleaning empire in Israel

This olah wiped her slate clean after aliyah pushed her into new professional opportunities.

OH MY CLEANING team.

I’ll always feel like an outsider but my kids won’t - comment

In the vast sweep of Jewish history, the shift from Diaspora Jew to Sabra is a profound transformation.

Being an immigrant is a feeling and a designation that lasts forever.

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.

The Potential of the Israeli Real Estate Market

Even conservative forecasts predict continued strength in the Israeli housing market

Young couple visiting a potential new home property with professional real estate agent