I wanted to create community with the Jewish people, to return to the roots of my historic homeland, to have the opportunity to live in a country where Jewish history, language and customs permeate every sphere of life.  So that my son, Artur, would remember and honor the traditions of the Jewish people, live in an atmosphere where he can be proud of his heritage, learn from the examples of great personalities and be part of a community that supports and inspires. The security aspect is no less important. Living in Israel gives our family confidence in the future, that we will be protected and will be able to build our future in a stable and safe country.

I knew about Jewish roots since childhood, since both my grandparents were Jews. Unfortunately, they did not tell me much about the traditions. But then I began to take an interest and learn and observe something. My mother remembered her grandmother, who was an observant Jew, and said that her grandmother also celebrated holidays and observed traditions.

My grandparents spent their youth in a Ukrainian shtetl, where the Jewish community flourished and thanks to this, perhaps, they managed to avoid many troubles. However, the memory of those times left a mark.

Mom tells how they were sometimes derogatorily called “Yids,” the word pronounced with a note of contempt that was as sharp as a knife. Grandma and Grandpa were proud of their roots and were educated at an institute located in the Jewish sector, where there was a sense of unity and understanding among peers. But even there, Jewish identity could become a subject of misunderstanding or condemnation. This duality – between belonging and rejection – permeates their memories, creating a vivid picture of a time when Jewish culture was in a constant struggle for recognition and respect.

I learned about the possibility of repatriation a long time ago, back in my student years, but somehow, I kept putting off going to the consul. Apparently, it had to be this way, so that right now, with my husband and son, I would be internally ready for repatriation. The idea of ​​returning to our historical homeland matured gradually. And now, the decision has been made. We made an appointment, collected documents, and went through an interview. Each step brought us closer to our dream. There were doubts and fears. Now we are on the threshold of a new life, full of hopes and expectations. Ahead is adaptation, learning the language, finding a job. But the main thing is that we are together, we are returning home.

There were difficulties in collecting some documents, since my grandparents were born and lived in Ukraine. My grandmother died already in Russia in St. Petersburg, so we collected additional certificates, and thank God the documents we had were enough to prove our nationality. We passed the consular check

Our emigration began in 2023, when we left St. Petersburg and went to Almaty. The most bitter thing on this path was the lack of communication with family and friends. The space that was once filled with warm memories and sincere conversations now seems empty. In addition, the incredible emotional burden that comes with adapting to a new culture and language barrier sometimes leads to oppressive feelings of isolation and loneliness. This is especially acute when it is difficult to find support and a friendly shoulder in a new environment. Every new word, every cultural mannerism hides nostalgia for what was familiar and close. Our soul yearns for our loved ones, and our inner world needs time to settle in a new land, where every morning begins with a new challenge.

Our hopes in Israel are connected with building a stable and prosperous life for the whole family. We dream of immersing into Israeli society, to have a sense of belonging and the opportunity to contribute to its development. We plan to actively study Hebrew in order to overcome the language barrier and effectively communicate with locals. In terms of work, we strive to find decent jobs that match our skills and experience, which will provide financial independence and professional growth. We are ready to retrain and adapt to the local labor market. We see Israel as a place where we can realize our potential and build a happy future for ourselves and our family.

A huge thank you to Ezra! Ezra suggested that I contact Jewish Agency in Almaty. Particularly valuable was the help with reimbursement of funds spent on apostilles of documents – this significantly facilitated the financial side of the issue.  In addition, I would like to note the prompt and timely assistance in organizing the rental of a taxi to the airport on the day of departure. Thanks to your consulting and financial support, my Aliyah process went much more smoothly and organized. Your organization provides invaluable assistance to repatriates, and I am sincerely grateful for your support at every stage of my journey.

It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I turn to you for your invaluable help. Each step you take makes the world a kinder and brighter place, and I sincerely hope that your noble undertaking will inspire many to follow your example. Words of gratitude express all the appreciation that we feel. Your efforts do not go unnoticed and transform lives, filling them with meaning and hope. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Your desire to help and support is noble and important, and may your work always bear fruit, inspiring others to do good deeds.