Post-October 7th: A New Era for Aliyah
The landscape of Aliyah (immigration to Israel) has dramatically shifted since the events of October 7th. As someone deeply involved in facilitating this process, I can attest to the profound changes and the remarkable resilience and solidarity that have emerged.
Immediate Impact and Response
On the morning of October 8th, our organization, which has proudly assisted 80,000 Olim (immigrants) over the past two decades, faced a new reality. Hundreds of our Olim families were forced to leave their homes, and we had 5,000 combat lone soldiers, many of whom were injured or killed. Some of our Olim were even taken hostage. This crisis necessitated a swift pivot in our operations, focusing on providing psychological support, financial grants, and housing. Simultaneously, we witnessed an incredible surge in solidarity, with a nearly 90% increase in interest in making Aliyah from North America. Balancing the need to support our existing Olim, who were now in trauma, with the influx of new applicants, became our dual focus.
Handling the Surge in Aliyah
As Rabbi Fass mentioned, the immediate aftermath of October 7th saw us dealing with thousands of new Olim, primarily from Russia and Ukraine, who were fleeing their own conflicts. My role as CEO of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration shifted from focusing solely on integration to managing an unprecedented increase in Aliyah applications. We saw numbers from France, South Africa, England, and North America that we hadn’t seen in decades. Since October 7th, 90,000 Olim have come to Israel, a testament to the enduring appeal and resilience of the Jewish homeland.
Innovative Integration Programs
Recognizing the need for better integration, we have launched several new programs. Previously, our approach was to assist Olim upon their arrival in Israel. Now, we have a proactive strategy that begins before they even make Aliyah. A new division, MIM, works with potential Olim to prepare them for their first two years in Israel, including learning Hebrew and securing housing and employment. This holistic model, inspired by Nefesh B’Nefesh, ensures a smoother transition and better integration for new immigrants.
The MedEx Program: A Game Changer
One of our most innovative initiatives is the MedEx program, a one-stop shop for physicians interested in making Aliyah. This program allows doctors to get their medical licenses and specialties approved, and even secure job interviews with Israeli hospitals, all before they become citizens. This unique approach addresses Israel’s impending physician shortage and aims to bring 2,000 doctors to Israel over the next five years. The synergy between public and private sectors in this endeavor is unprecedented and essential for its success.
Trends and Future Prospects
The motivation behind Aliyah has also evolved. Many new Olim are not fleeing danger but are drawn by the desire to be part of Israel’s story and to provide a different future for their children. This trend is particularly noticeable in Western countries. We are now focusing on learning from these new Olim, recognizing them as new heroes who can help make Israel better and more united.
Conclusion
The future of Aliyah looks bright, with a renewed sense of purpose and solidarity driving the process. Our organizations are committed to supporting this wave of new immigrants and ensuring their successful integration into Israeli society. The challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities, and we are excited to see what the future holds for Aliyah and for Israel.
