Jul 7, 2022

Kharkiv to Carmiel: Arina’s Aliyah

Since the war in Ukraine began in February, roughly 25,200 refugees from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus have made aliyah — more than eight times the amount that immigrated in 2021 — according to The Jewish Agency for Israel, Federation's overseas partner. Arina Asherov, one of the thousands of new olim (immigrants) from Ukraine, says, “Our life in the [absorption] center is heaven,” referring to the accommodations and overall support she and her younger sister Lada have received from The Jewish Agency. Shortly after their mother woke them in February with, “Get up, girls! The war has started,” the organization facilitated their aliyah from Kharkiv to Carmiel, Israel — from the atrocities of war-battered Ukraine to the safe haven that is the Jewish homeland. Their parents urged them to flee while they stayed behind. “Every day, they send photos of another bombed-out university or apartment,” says Arina, and adds that the worst thing is the complete lack of control over what’s happening there. But, she notes brightly, at the absorption center, “We’re gradually restoring our future.” To help others like Arina, click here to donate to our Ukraine Emergency Fund.