After Freedom Flights land in Israel, The Fellowship’s work of supporting families as they begin their new lives in their biblical homeland starts right away. Even in times of crisis and uncertainty, this support remains consistent. This was the case for Nikoloz and his family, who made aliyah in February, just two days before the war with Iran began. What’s more, the family of four had another child on the way. Managing these challenges would have been nearly impossible without The Fellowship’s help.
Nikoloz and his wife, Mariami, had two children when The Fellowship met them in the former Soviet republic of Georgia. Their son Daniel is seven, and their daughter Khava Lea is six. After meeting the family, The Fellowship helped them make aliyah on February 25. But any hopes of having a quiet time to settle in were dashed on the 27th, when war began.
Until the first ceasefire in April, the family stayed with Nikoloz’s parents, who had made aliyah five years earlier. Their home didn’t have a protective room, so the family would run to a nearby public shelter during attacks. Mariami worried constantly about how the fear and severe stress would affect her pregnancy. The children also grew anxious and irritable. When the attacks ceased, the family was finally able to begin taking care of their paperwork and finances. Their only source of financial support was the absorption assistance they received as new olim.
They managed to find a modest apartment on the fifth floor of a building with no elevator. With no way to afford essential appliances and furniture, The Fellowship provided necessities such as beds for the children and a refrigerator. Finally, in June, Nikoloz and Mariami’s third child, Leil, was born. With a new baby, the family’s responsibilities increased. Nikoloz stays home, doing housework and helping Mariami care for Leil. The money they were able to save thanks to The Fellowship’s assistance was spent on baby essentials such as a crib, diapers, a stroller, and food.
The children are now preparing for their first full school year in Israel, with Daniel resuming first grade and Khava Lea starting first grade. Of course, the family will also need to buy school supplies. Both children are very excited to start school and meet new friends and teachers. Meanwhile, Nikoloz is looking for work, as the pension the family receives is barely enough to support them. Despite these challenges, Nikoloz remains hopeful about what the future holds for his growing family.
He says, “I believe that the Almighty will not abandon us and that He sends kind, caring people into our lives. Other than my parents, I have no relatives or friends in Be’er Sheva. That is why The Fellowship became a true source of support for me and helped my family during our most difficult time.”