Carmit, who is currently studying Industrial Management at the Negev Academic College of Engineering in Be'er Sheva, remained in
contact with many of her childhood friends from the Nurit Absorption Center; even though they are all dispersed throughout Israel. She and her friends have very good memories of the time they spent in Nurit. Thus, last year, she and a group of friends contacted the Absorption Center Administration and requested to hold a weekend reunion there. They were told that they could do so on condition that they would take the opportunity to run activities for the youngsters now living there. As a result, Carmit decided to work as one of Nurit's tutor-counselors, helping new immigrant children from Ethiopia through their first steps in Israel. ISRAEL IS IN CRISIS
It is important to remember that the aliyah process does not stop when the immigrant arrives at Ben Gurion Airport. That is only the beginning. Once in Israel, the long, rocky road of absorption and integration is fraught with hardships and anxieties. Particularly in their early days, new immigrants are bewildered by the new physical, social and cultural environment, not to mention the language barrier. In these difficult times, it is essential to ensure that our olim feel at home.
Keren Hayesod has taken upon itself to do all that it can to ensure as easy a transition as possible, supporting their initial housing in Absorption Centers, funding Hebrew language ulpanim, professional training courses, scholarships for new immigrant students, enrichment activities for immigrant children, etc. However, the absorption process is a lengthy one, and long-term investment in immigrants is also necessary.