6/1(Sun) Olim

#Olim

#Aliyah

#Jewish

The term “Olim” (עולים) refers to Jewish immigrants to Israel, coming from the Hebrew word “Aliyah” (עלייה), meaning “ascent.”

In Jewish tradition, making Aliyah — immigrating to the Land of Israel — is considered a religious and cultural return, not just a move.

Who Are Olim?

• Olim (plural of “Oleh”) are Jews from the diaspora who move to Israel under the Law of Return.

• They come from all over the world: the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, the United States, France, Argentina, and many other places.

• The Law of Return grants automatic Israeli citizenship to Jews, their children, grandchildren, and spouses.

Historical Waves of Aliyah

Wave Period Description

First Aliyah 1882–1903 Mostly from Eastern Europe and Yemen; agricultural pioneers.

Second Aliyah 1904–1914 Socialist Zionists; established kibbutzim and labor movements.

Third to Fifth Aliyah 1919–1939 Driven by pogroms, antisemitism, and Nazism; built cities and infrastructure.

Post-Holocaust Aliyah 1945–1948 Holocaust survivors came despite British immigration limits.

Mass Aliyah after 1948 1950s–60s Jews from Arab countries and Europe arrived en masse after Israel’s founding.

Modern Aliyah 1990s–present Major waves from the USSR, Ethiopia (Operation Solomon), France, USA, etc.

Key Points About Olim in Modern Israel

• The Jewish Agency for Israel and Nefesh B’Nefesh help new immigrants with housing, jobs, Hebrew learning (Ulpan), and integration.

• Some Olim face challenges adjusting — especially with language, employment, and cultural differences.

• Others become highly influential in Israeli society — in tech, politics, arts, and the military.

Religious and Cultural Meaning

• “Aliyah” literally means going up — spiritually and physically (since Jerusalem is seen as being “up”).

• Seen as fulfilling biblical prophecy about the ingathering of the exiles.

• Some religious Jews see Aliyah as a mitzvah (a religious obligation).

Would you like more information on:

• The experience of Olim from a specific country (e.g., Russia, Ethiopia, USA)?

• Religious versus secular perspectives on Aliyah?

• How Olim are integrated into Israeli society today?