Dec 14, 2016

New Olim Celebrate Chanukah in Israeli Homeland

One hundred new olim (immigrants) from 29 countries gathered in Israel last week to light the “global chanukiah” (menorah) in their new homeland. Federation’s overseas partner, The Jewish Agency for Israel, brought together participants from its Kibbutz Ulpan program, which enables young immigrants to spend their first few months in Israel living on kibbutzim, where they engage in intensive Hebrew studies, participate in enrichment programs and receive career or academic guidance. Alexandra, who recently arrived in Israel from Russia, said, “Lighting the Chanukah candles as an Israeli is my true Chanukah miracle.”