Press here for English: Service for new immigrants to Israel expands operations
While Colonel Golan Vach, a search and rescue expert in the IDF, has been serving in Gaza, an organization founded by his father has been supporting Jewish immigrants moving to Israel. Now, Vach is taking steps to expand the family operation as the demand for services in English continues to grow.
Israela is an organization founded 30 years ago by Shalom Vach and Rabbi Yehoshua Zuckerman to help French speakers make aliyah (immigrate) to Israel but is now also offering its services in English.
"We are excited to bring Israela's proven expertise to English-speaking communities," said Colonel Golan Vach. "Aliyah is a response to strengthening Israel amidst adversity."
To date, 1,870 families have immigrated to Israel with the help of Israela, with 98% of them remaining settled in Israel, according to their website. The organization continues to offer assistance to families for 18 months, as they settle into their new lives as “olim” or new immigrants, aiming “to ensure a smooth transition to life as an Israeli.”
Israela will now also cater to Jewish families from the United States, Canada and Australia, helping them relocate and become established in communities like Carmei Gat and Petah Tikva.
Israela has expanded in partnership with World Mizrachi and is a branch of L’Aliyah De Group. There are several initiatives designed to serve those wanting to immigrate to Israel, but the needs have increased in the wake of spiraling antisemitism.
"Aliyah has three main reasons” according to Ariel Kandel, CEO of Qualita, an umbrella organization for aliyah assistance services. Kandel says the primary reasons are Zionism, the economy and antisemitism.
"Some 68% of French Jews report they don’t feel safe, so they’re looking for different options. The U.S. and Canada were also options in the past, but many see the situation for Jews there has changed since October 7, and now think Israel is the true home of the Jewish people. People are looking for belonging, and Israel provides that for them."
While North America has been a safe haven for Jewish people for centuries, the tide is turning to the point it is no longer seen as a viable option as antisemitism is on the rise. Jewish communities are reportedly increasingly concerned and turning their sights to Israel.
Jews from Australia and the United Kingdom, along with other nations, are also now considering making aliyah.
The Jerusalem Post highlighted the stories of some of Israela’s newest clients.
Perachya Sorcher from Brooklyn values being part of a group making aliyah, saying: “This camaraderie ensures a smoother transition and a shared support system as we embark on this journey together."
Israela helps find suitable communities, housing, and schools for new immigrants, helping the whole family connect with social networks. Others appreciate the benefits for their children having the support of peers as they move to a new country.
"We are excited to bring Israela's proven expertise to English-speaking communities," says Vach. "Aliyah is a response to strengthening Israel amidst adversity. Our model aims to ensure each family's successful integration, proving resilience against those who seek to undermine our homeland."
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Jo Elizabeth has a great interest in politics and cultural developments, studying Social Policy for her first degree and gaining a Masters in Jewish Philosophy from Haifa University, but she loves to write about the Bible and its primary subject, the God of Israel. As a writer, Jo spends her time between the UK and Jerusalem, Israel.
