IFCJ: Julia: Bringing New Immigrants to Serve in the Holy Land

Julia: Bringing New Immigrants to Serve in the Holy Land

Julia was 11 when she attended the brand-new activity center in her Russian city of Samara. It was run by the Jewish Agency, a partner of The Fellowship funded through our On Wings of Eagles program, and it changed Julia's life.

"I went to every single activity that the Jewish Agency offered," says Julia, mentioning summer camp, youth club, and Hebrew classes. However, it was the Jewish Agency-sponsored trip to Israel that truly changed this young woman's life.

"It is one thing to learn about Judaism, Zionism, and history in Russia. It is a completely different thing to actually experience the place and meet the people. I felt so deeply connected to the country — my country."

By the time she was 22, Julia was a certified dentist. "I immediately packed my bags for Israel," she explains. "I knew that this was where I was meant to be."

With help from her Jewish Agency absorption center, Julia quickly learned Hebrew, which helped her get certified as a dentist in Israel. Although she didn't have to serve, Julia enlisted as a dentist in the professional army. "I love caring for the soldiers," she says.

"I may be a lone soldier, but I don't feel lonely," says Julia, now 24. "I found so much promise in our 'Promised Land.'"

Your support of On Wings of Eagles will help other promising young Jewish immigrants to Israel thrive in their new homeland — and help Israel thrive with their service and talents.