_{In 2024, more than 40,000 people repatriated to Israel. Despite the war, despite everything. People come from Ukraine and Russia, from the USA and Argentina, from France, Britain, Germany, and a dozen other countries. How and who decides to repatriate? Who helps future repatriates in making this decision.}

About this, the correspondent of the MIGnews website talks with Marina Rozenberg Koritny, the head of the Department for Aliyah Promotion of the World Zionist Organization.

Shalom, Marina. Tell us briefly about your Department. When was it created, what is its goal, and who do you work with?

In October 2015, the 37th Congress of the World Zionist Organization took place in Jerusalem. One of the main decisions of the congress was the creation of the Department for Aliyah Promotion with a focus on working with Russian-speaking Jews, large communities of which have emerged in various corners of the world outside the former Soviet Union. The largest of them is located in the USA.

The new reality required fresh approaches, a new model of interaction was proposed:

• WZO is responsible for motivating Jews to make aliyah through educational and cultural projects.
• The Jewish Agency handles the practical aspects of repatriation, helping people get to Israel.
• The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration supports repatriates on the ground, facilitating their integration into Israeli society.

When I was offered to form and lead the department, I identified three key directions:

1. Motivation and assistance in preparing for repatriation.
2. Stimulating interest in learning Hebrew.
3. Strengthening ties between the Jewish diaspora and the state of Israel.

This is the foundation. Strengthening ties between Israel and Jewish communities in the diaspora creates a basis for cooperation. Without such bridges, it is impossible to build trust and understanding.

We build these bridges through educational programs, cultural projects, direct dialogue, and personal meetings. Israel must become closer to every Jew, a natural part of his life, even if he is thousands of kilometers away. These connections help understand that Israel is not just a point on the map, but the center of their cultural, historical, and national identity.

Can you give a few examples of such projects?

One of the bright projects is the “Golden Golda” award, named after Golda Meir, the first woman to hold the position of Prime Minister of Israel. The award is annually given in different countries to women for their contribution to the development of Jewish communities and support for repatriation. Its mission is to express gratitude to these women and highlight their achievements. Laureates continue to participate in our initiatives, share their experience, and strengthen their communities’ ties with Israel.

Another significant project is the “Geula” program, inspired by the personality of Geula Cohen, an outstanding figure of the Zionist movement. The program prepares a new generation of women leaders who actively support Israel, promote the ideas of Zionism, and contribute to aliyah.

This is not just leadership, but constructive leadership — the ability to inspire others and create strong connections between communities and Israel.

Both mentioned projects are addressed to women. Is this a trend?

In a certain sense, yes. Although most of our projects are open to everyone. At one time, we conducted research that showed that the key role in making a decision about repatriation in a family often belongs to a woman. Previously, no one thought about this, and for us, it was a real discovery.

So, we started developing projects that encourage women to take an active position in the life of Jewish communities and develop leadership qualities. And these projects have worked successfully!

The second direction in the work of the Department is the popularization of Hebrew. What role does it play in the concept of your activities? Why is it important?

The popularization of Hebrew is a key part of our work. Language is not just a means of communication, but the foundation of national unity. The outstanding Israeli writer Shmuel Yosef Agnon said: “Language is the support of the life of any nation, and Hebrew is the bridge between the magnificent past and the future”.

Moreover, knowledge of Hebrew opens access to more authentic sources of information about Israel. In a world where narratives often distort reality, it is important for Jews to be able to see the true state of affairs.

How to achieve this? Desire alone is not enough!

Absolutely right. When at the end of the 19th century Eliezer Ben-Yehuda came to Palestine and began to revive Hebrew, he was initially perceived as a crank and often ridiculed. Few believed that an ancient language, not spoken for millennia, could be made alive and everyday. Even the founder of Zionism, Theodor Herzl, doubted this and believed that the future Jewish state would speak the language of great culture — German. But, as we know, even the great can be mistaken. Hebrew won, largely thanks to the determination and persistence of Eliezer Ben-Yehuda and his supporters.

When we started creating a network of ulpans (Hebrew classes) in different countries, there were also skeptics. They claimed that ulpans would become sort of clubs where Jews would mainly come to socialize and incidentally learn the alphabet and a few words. But reality shows the opposite: over these years, we have opened almost 4000 Hebrew classes of different levels, including professional ulpans that help future repatriates begin professional integration even before aliyah.

This would have been impossible without our teachers. They are true enthusiasts and pioneers, continuing the work of Eliezer Ben-Yehuda. Thanks to their knowledge and energy, Hebrew has become accessible and understandable for Jews around the world.

Motivation and assistance in preparing for repatriation. Why is it important?

Zionism has always been based on a simple but profound idea: Israel is a home for every Jew, wherever he may be. This idea remains relevant today. Our task is not just to remind people of this but also to help them take a step in this direction when they are ready.

Strengthening ties and popularizing Hebrew provide the foundation on which this process is built. But the decision about aliyah is always a personal step. Our task is to help people make it consciously. It is very important to speak honestly about all aspects of repatriation. People need to know the truth to make decisions with open eyes.

For potential repatriates, we conduct virtual meetings and seminars where their compatriots, already living in Israel, share their experience. Aliyah fairs, which we organize annually, provide an opportunity to meet with our representatives, ask questions, receive individual consultations, and sign up for an ulpan. All this helps people see that Israel is something more than a point on the map.

For me, every Jew, wherever he lives, is already an Israeli, just living at a different address. Our task is to help everyone feel this and take the first step towards their home in Israel.

You have just returned from the USA, where hundreds of thousands of Russian-speaking Jews live. Tell us about this trip.

It was a working visit with a very busy and diverse program. I met with leaders and activists of Jewish communities and Zionist organizations on the East Coast — from New York to Miami.

The main event of the trip was the “Aliyah Fair,” which we traditionally hold in December. The fair was attended by 750 Russian-speaking Jews from New York. People gathered to hear guests from Israel, ask questions, share their thoughts and concerns.

Among the speakers were former intelligence officer Anton Sh., press secretary of the Israel Defense Forces Major Anna Ukolova, and Olga Ryzhkova, whose son Maxim, a special forces soldier, died in battle with terrorists. Olga’s speech particularly resonated. She talked about Maxim, his service in the elite forces, and how important it is to remember the fallen heroes. “Heroes are not mourned — heroes are applauded,” she said. These words were met with a standing ovation.

One of the graduates of our “Geula” program, Stefani Dagan, also participated in the fair. She flew to New York from Miami to share her impressions of the program and talk about her future plans.

This trip once again showed how important it is to communicate with people directly, look them in the eyes, listen to them, and speak the truth. Such meetings create a live connection that cannot be established in any other way.

And finally – Your plans for the future?

We have many ideas. We are launching a project with the Israeli Olympic Committee to help Jewish athletes from the diaspora realize their potential in Israel. Also, a program for gifted children from low-income families is starting, which will give them the opportunity to receive higher education at Israeli universities. And, of course, we continue to develop existing projects that are already yielding significant results.

Thank you, Marina! Success to you and your cause.

Thank you. I always say: once the Jewish people needed their state, and now the state of Israel needs its people. Israel is waiting for you. Learn Hebrew, come back Home.