Anastasia lost her parents at a young age and was raised by her grandparents and great-grandparents, who instilled in her a strong sense of Jewish pride. “Never apologize for being Jewish,” her great-grandmother would always tell her, having experienced anti-Semitism firsthand while growing up and living in the Soviet Union. She dreamed that one day their entire family would live together in Israel.
Although Anastasia’s great-grandmother did not live to see their dream of aliyah realized, The Fellowship helped Anastasia and her husband, Ruslan, join her grandparents in Israel.
The family had been living in Russia and working toward aliyah, but everything became more complicated when war broke out in 2022. Anastasia and Ruslan relocated to Tbilisi, Georgia. While her grandparents were able to make aliyah, the couple remained in Georgia for the next three years, completing documentation and obtaining visas from the embassy. From there, The Fellowship helped secure their flight to Israel.
“Back then it felt impossible, just a dream,” said Anastasia, “Deep down, I always knew I’d end up living in Israel someday. My husband keeps me calm. He already planned everything: where we’ll live, where we’ll work, what places we’ll visit, where we’ll celebrate our birthdays and anniversaries. He’s such a romantic.”
Anastasia has never been to Israel before. Yet even as she arrives while the Holy Land faces war and crisis, she is not afraid. She remembers following the stories after October 7, crying and celebrating when hostages were finally brought home, and sharing both the pain and joy of the Israeli people.
She also feels hopeful and supported as she begins the process of settling in, learning Hebrew, and building a new life with Ruslan. Anastasia plans to continue her work as an interior designer. The Fellowship also helped ship her desktop computer and other essentials she needs to continue working.
“We feel so lucky to have The Fellowship by our side. Thank you to everyone who puts not only resources, but also their hearts and souls into helping future olim like us. With your support, we’re sure we’ll adjust and build a good life in Israel,” said Anastasia.
When you give to The Fellowship, you help make the dream of aliyah possible for Jews around the world like Anastasia and Ruslan. Because of your support, families are reunited and new lives begin in the Holy Land.
