By Howard Flower, ICEJ Aliyah Director

Aliyah to Israel continues at a fast pace despite more than one year of war. More than 28,000 Olim have come home to Israel so far this year, which indicates that 2024 will be a very strong year for Aliyah.

In October, the ICEJ sponsored flights for 100 Olim from France and 100 Russian-speaking Jews from the former Soviet republics. These latest ICEJ-sponsored flights included some 87 Jewish teenagers who are making Aliyah without their parents in the Sela program.

SELA is a unique initiative managed by the Jewish Agency for Israel which serves as a bridge for students entering university.

The program is not just about academics; it is a holistic approach that encompasses various aspects of a student’s life, ensuring they are well-rounded and ready for the next phase.

Key features of the SELA program are academic preparation, cultural immersion, social integration, personal development, and a support system. It is a transformative experience that shapes the future of its participants. As students stand on the threshold of a new academic journey, SELA ensures they step forward with confidence, knowledge, and a deep connection to Israel.  

SELA has proven to be a game-changer for many students. By the end of the program, participants not only receive an Israeli identity card but also a sense of belonging and confidence that they are ready for university.

Moreover, the program has had a ripple effect. Ninety percent of the students who participate in SELA end up making Israel their permanent home. The program also has observed that about 60 percent of the students’ parents eventually make Aliyah, further strengthening the bond between the Diaspora and Israel.

Over the past 15 years, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem has been instrumental in supporting SELA, as well as the Naale program, which offers Jewish teens from the Diaspora a chance to study in some of Israel’s best high schools. Our support has been multifaceted, from sponsoring Jewish youths to attend summer and winter camps and Aliyah seminars to providing transportation and logistical support.

Maj. Gen. Doron Almog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency, told the Jerusalem Post Aliyah conference last week that young Jews are taking the lead in a new wave of Aliyah.

“The young generation, the future of the Jewish people, they take responsibility and move forward,” said Almog, drawing parallels to biblical figures like Abraham. He noted that many young immigrants are particularly interested in serving in the IDF and security forces, inspired by Jewish historical figures and tradition.

Almog emphasised how Jewish identity and education, rooted in biblical narratives and Israeli history, particularly resonate with younger generations. “The most to be inspired is the young generation – they arrive first,” he observed, highlighting their role as pioneers in contemporary Aliyah.

Drawing from historical precedents, Almog referenced the successful integration of nearly one million Russian Jews who immigrated to Israel in the early 1990s.

“Look what they brought, the contribution of the one million for business, for science, for culture, for theatre, for health, doctors, and politicians,” he said. Their contributions across various sectors demonstrated how Aliyah serves as a “growth engine” for Israel.

Looking ahead, Almog stressed Israel’s need for a new wave of immigration, targeting potentially 18 million Jews worldwide. He emphasized that beyond the immediate response of those arriving to support Israel during current challenges, the country must focus on creating an “attractive atmosphere” and building an “exemplary society.”

This vision includes striving for excellence across all fields while ensuring support for the most vulnerable and creating a balanced and progressive society that can attract future generations of Jewish immigrants.

By supporting our Aliyah fund, you can be part of the prophetic call to bring the Jews back to Israel. Please give your best donation today at:  help.icej.org/aliyah

Main photo: Group picture of Sela students at Ben Gurion airport. (Photo: JAFI)