In a striking display of solidarity, hundreds of young North American Jews are choosing to immigrate to Israel despite the ongoing Gaza war. Many of the newcomers are not only committed to building their lives in the Jewish state but are also planning to enlist in the IDF upon arrival.
From June to August, approximately 1,500 North American immigrants arrived in Israel through the collaborative efforts of Nefesh B'Nefesh, the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, the Jewish Agency, Jewish National Fund-USA, and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael. The majority of the new olim are young adults who have decided to tie their futures to Israel, particularly during this tumultuous period.
Since Oct. 7, about 3,170 new immigrants have made their way to Israel from North America. Nefesh B'Nefesh projects that an additional 700 will arrive by the end of September. Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, CEO of Nefesh B'Nefesh, expressed his admiration, "The significance of the number of immigrants arriving here, especially during these challenging times, is beyond words. They serve as a wellspring of strength and inspiration for all of us." Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer pledged ongoing support, "Our programs will continue to assist immigrants and motivate thousands more to take this momentous step."
Israel Hayom spoke with three youngsters who immigrated to Israel in late August, having made their decision even before the current war erupted. Far from deterring them, recent events have only reinforced their conviction that they've made the right choice.
Atara Teitelman, 21, New York
"I aspire to be part of a nation that stands firm in its convictions"
Atara, a Stern College graduate, was raised in an Orthodox Zionist household. Her father serves as a synagogue rabbi, and she attended a Jewish school during her Brooklyn upbringing. She recalls that Israel was a constant topic of conversation at home, with discussions ranging from the country's history to observances of Yom HaZikaron and celebrations of Jerusalem Day.
After completing high school four years ago, Atara spent a year in Israel, studying and living at Kibbutz Migdal Oz in Gush Etzion. "That year exposed me to Israeli culture and gave me a profound sense of security. I connected deeply with the values of the people here and realized that Israel is where I want to raise my future family."
Atara subsequently returned to the US to care for her younger sister, who was battling cancer, and began her studies at Stern College in New York. Now, she feels the time is right to make her move.
"I want to be part of a nation that stands firmly for its beliefs and remains resilient. It's somewhat daunting, but I've been planning this aliyah for years, and Israel is always facing some challenge. Even when I think the situation has calmed and it's a good time to move, who can guarantee what next month might bring? Yes, it's scary, but sometimes you need to embrace that fear and move forward."
Atara plans to settle in Jerusalem's Talpiot neighborhood and work with the Bnei Akiva youth movement. She will soon begin pursuing a degree in business administration.
Grace Schenk, 30, Chicago
"Waiting for complete calm would mean never making aliyah"
Grace's most recent visit to Israel was in April 2023, a ten-day trip to see relatives in Metula and Ashkelon after a four-year absence due to the pandemic.
"It felt as if I had never left. Being there felt completely natural," she reminisces. Upon returning to the US, Grace experienced a sense of unease. "I felt deeply saddened. I realized I wasn't where I wanted to be in life. When I confided in a friend about my desire to make aliyah, the moment I voiced it aloud, I felt an immense weight lift from my chest. My instincts had recognized what I truly wanted before my conscious mind had caught up."
Breaking the news to her parents was challenging. Grace also sought advice from her grandmother, who had immigrated to the US from South Africa in her twenties. "I asked her about her experience, and she emphasized how different it was then. There were no phones or instant communication like we have today. When she left South Africa and her family, she knew she might never see them again. She reassured me, 'It's okay, I know we'll see each other again.' Today, the circumstances are very different."
Grace made her final decision to make aliyah last August, and even the outbreak of conflict two months later didn't shake her resolve. "If I wait for a period of complete calm to move to Israel, I'll never make the leap. This is something I need to do now."
Grace isn't fazed by the threat of rockets. She's already experienced attacks during visits to Ashkelon and knows exactly how to respond during alerts. Although her future apartment in Ramat Gan lacks a built-in safe room, she's already located the nearest public shelter. "For some reason, I've never been afraid of this aspect of life here," she says with a smile.
