These young Israeli immigrants are traveling across the world to share the personal stories of their aliyah – the challenges and the triumphs, the hardships and the successes.

These young individuals come to Israel with a dream of rebuilding their lives in the Jewish homeland, many times all alone and often without any resources. They are representative of the hundreds of thousands of brave olim from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, South America and Europe who weave the unique and diverse tapestry that is Israeli society.

These speakers enable audiences to hear first-hand how their generous support of the Jewish Agency is affecting lives and contributing to the growth and security of their homeland. The experience is transformative not only for those listening, but also for those telling the tale. “When I talk with people, a lot of times, there are moments I start to cry,” says Lora Yagudin. "People in the audience start to cry with me. It’s really exciting and emotional.”

Speakers

Felix Palacci - Switzerland Immigrant:
“All of us on the Jewish Agency’s Garin Tzabar program came to Israel without friends or immediate family. By connecting us with a kibbutz, the program gave us a place to call home and the chance to make new friends.” More

Irina Kopytova- FSU Immigrant:
“My path to Judaism began at the age of ten, when my parents told me and my sister that we were Jewish. By the time I was fifteen, I decided to come to Israel on my own with the Jewish Agency’s Na’aleh program. In the eleven years I have been in Israel, I have never looked back.” More

Lucas Lejderman - Brazilian Immigrant:
“Immigration can be so difficult and sometimes you feel so alone, but living at the Jewish Agency’s Ulpan Etzion Absorption Center was like having family in Israel. There were people there to help, teach and encourage us. We had all the resources we needed to make our aliyah easier.” More

Liat Damoza - Ethiopian Immigrant:
“I like doing things for the future of the Jewish people. With my work at the Jewish Agency, I feel like I am really doing something for my soul and that I am contributing to Israeli society.” More

For more speakers, click here.