Dream Becomes Reality for Adel
After months of preparation, Tuesday 3 September had finally arrived! Seventeen 14-year-olds were about to embark on their journey to Israel, where they will spend the next four years studying as part of the Na’ale programme.
We first brought the young people to our shelter in western Ukraine, where we checked their documents and gave them final instructions. They came from various cities in Ukraine, including Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro and Kiev. Two young people from Odessa went directly to Kishenov, the capital of Moldova from where their flight to Israel would depart.
It was an exciting but also frightening experience for the youngsters. The air raid sirens echoed across the country as dozens of rockets and drones were launched, causing widespread destruction in many cities, leading to numerous deaths and hundreds of wounded. This devastating war has been raging for over two and a half years now, with no end in sight.
The students are ready for departure!
Promoting Aliyah
Why are these young people leaving for Israel at such a young age? Every year, the Jewish Agency allows hundreds of Jewish teenagers the opportunity to take tests and exams, and those who pass can study in Israel for four years at no cost—provided their parents give their consent.
An Emotional Moment
We had a heartfelt conversation with Chaya and her 14- year-old daughter Adel. Years ago, we had met Chaya at the Jewish school in Mariupol. Today we wished her ‘mazel tov’ as her eldest child prepared to leave for Israel with the Na’ale programme. Chaya said nothing, but a proud smile crossed her face. For parents, saying goodbye to their children is always emotional, especially amid the ongoing wars in both Ukraine and Israel. ‘What if…?’ they must wonder. Is this the last time I will see my son or daughter? The children likely share similar fears. Will I see my parents or grandparents again? As drivers and guides, we play an important role in these moments, offering friendly words and a helpful hand that can make all the difference.
Emotional moments as parents say goodbye to their children.
Seizing the Opportunity
After leaving our shelter, a 330-kilometre journey in our large coach lies ahead of us, and of course the border crossing between Ukraine and Moldova, which this time took four hours. Along the way, we spoke with many of the young people. Why had they chosen to go to Israel now? Weren’t they afraid? Most were determined in their decision to seize this opportunity with both hands, eager to live and study in Israel.
‘For Adel, this departure was a dream come true—going to the land of her ancestors.’
This was also the case for Adel. Her mother had prepared her for this moment from an early age, emphasising the importance of returning to Israel since the Bible speaks so clearly about returning to Israel. “You will be the first of our four children to go to Israel, and your brothers will follow.” For Adel, this departure was a dream come true—going to the land of her ancestors.
A New Future
At Kishenov airport, we were greeted by a representative from the Jewish Agency, who expressed gratitude to Christians for Israel for taking such good care of the young people over the past few days. Shortly after midnight, the flight departed with the seventeen young people, heading for a new future in Israel. The ‘children’ of Israel are coming home, helped by the nations, as foretold by the prophets of Israel.
Bring the Jews home
For € 135 (or 150 USD) we can help a member of the Jewish people with collecting the necessary documents and transportation to the consulate and ultimately to the airport. Any amount is welcome!
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