For Katsiaryna and her family, The Fellowship’s support extended far beyond helping them make aliyah. Five years ago, she and her two daughters arrived in Israel from Belarus on a Fellowship Freedom Flight. The Fellowship not only helped arrange their journey but also assisted them with resettling in their new home.
Despite the many challenges Israel has faced this year, it is a joyful time for Katsiaryna and her family, as her mother, Rakhil, has finally made aliyah and joined them in Israel.
At 79 years old, Rakhil arrived in Israel while facing declining health and signs of dementia. These challenges have made the aliyah and integration process much more difficult, as she struggles to understand and navigate procedures at government offices and the airport. Her condition has also led to rejections when applying for a bank account, preventing her from qualifying for certain integration grants and assistance typically available to new olim.
Since arriving in Israel, Katsiaryna has remained in contact with The Fellowship and continues to receive support, including food assistance and connections to resources that can help care for her mother as she settles into life with the family in southern Israel.
In a letter of thanks to The Fellowship, Katsiaryna wrote:
“It is important for us to note that The Fellowship’s support was not only expressed in kind words and a warm attitude, but also in tangible material assistance, which was of great importance to our family during the period of integration and adaptation. For new olim, who are at the beginning of their journey in building a new life in Israel, this is invaluable help that cannot be replaced.”
“We believe that The Fellowship fulfills an incomparably important mission and must continue its activities for new olim. Without such support, the first months of life in Israel become much more difficult. Thanks to The Fellowship, people feel that there is someone by their side, ready to help, advise and support.”
“The feeling that we are not alone has accompanied us from the first moment we turned to The Fellowship, and it continues to accompany us throughout the entire integration process in Israel. We thank The Fellowship for your work, kindness, responsiveness and sincere concern for people.”
