“Every great achievement begins with a dream” — words attributed to Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern political Zionism who championed the establishment of a Jewish state. Since 1897, the World Zionist Organization, founded by Herzl, has worked to connect Israel with Jewish communities around the world.
Bella Lvovich, head of the World Zionist Organization’s Department for Aliyah Promotion, discussed that mission and the organization’s efforts to encourage Jewish immigration to Israel during the Global Aliyah Live Summit on Sept. 8.
Bella Lvovich
(Photo: Vesty)
Broadcast live from the ynet Global studio in English, Russian and French, the international online summit brought together experts to address issues facing people considering immigration to Israel.
Lvovich said the WZO’s history began with Herzl’s vision of a Jewish homeland. Over time, the Zionist movement helped establish institutions that would become central to Israel and the Jewish world, including the Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund.
Today, she said, a central mission of her department is strengthening ties between Israel and Jewish communities in the Diaspora and encouraging aliyah so Jews around the world maintain an active connection with Israel.
Lvovich outlined the practical assistance the WZO provides to prospective immigrants before they leave their countries of residence, working through its representatives, local Jewish communities and Ofek Israeli, an organization that promotes aliyah.
Drawing on her own experience of immigrating to Israel, Lvovich said removing psychological and practical barriers was crucial to making aliyah successful.
One of the department’s main tools is a network of hundreds of ulpan programs, intensive Hebrew-language courses, operating around the world. The programs allow prospective immigrants to begin learning Hebrew long before they make a final decision to move to Israel.
Lvovich said the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the unprecedented subsequent surge in antisemitism marked a turning point in relations between Israel and Jewish communities abroad.
Herzl’s hope that the establishment of a Jewish state would eliminate antisemitism has not been realized, she said. According to Lvovich, growing threats have challenged the sense of security felt by some Jews abroad and reinforced their connection to the broader Jewish people.
She said the developments have led to a sharp increase in the number of Jews seriously considering moving to Israel and seeking information about the aliyah process.
For those still considering whether to make the move, Lvovich offered a straightforward first step: Find a local office of the WZO’s Aliyah Promotion Department online or contact the Jewish Agency to locate a nearby Hebrew course and connect with aliyah coordinators who can provide guidance.
As Rosh Hashanah approaches, Lvovich told viewers that Israel remains a home for Jews wherever they live and wished prospective immigrants success as they consider beginning a new chapter in their lives.
The Global Aliyah Live Summit was organized by ynet Global and Vesty and broadcast in English, Russian and French.
The event was held with support from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, the World Zionist Organization, Keren Hayesod, Ofek Israeli, Nefesh B’Nefesh, the Jerusalem Municipality, Bank Leumi, Clalit Health Services, Masa Israel Journey and Magen David Adom.