Friends in Fortune

Karmiel Absorption Center resident students feel very much Israeli.

"Friends of Absorption Centers" are groups of dedicated community figures who are involved on an ongoing basis with the Absorption Center and promote it within the larger community.

Friends of Absorption Centers

Becoming Part of it All

"Aliyah is Us" proclaimed the banners at the communitywide presentation made by the Karmiel Absorption Center. By virtue of its height and location, the Absorption Center has been a city landmark for many years, but with the help of its "Friends of the Absorption Center," it has become a local institution. "There is nothing in this city that we are not a part of," proclaims Ziona Izenshtein, Director of the Karmiel Absorption Center. "Our immigrants are involved in every municipal event, public commemoration and celebration."

The Karmiel "Friends of the Absorption Center" is chaired by the Mayor's wife, and amongst its members are a wide variety of Karmiel personalities. At the now annual Aliyah is Us program, the 'Friends' put their connecions to work. Ziona continues, "Once a year, over the course of about a week, we essentially present ourselves to the community; representatives of our residents are introduced at community centers, schools, council meetings and booster group functions.

"We are home to 200-300 students, as well as to families in professional or community absorption programs. During this period, community members learn more about us and many volunteer to mentor students or families. Each year we bring more and more people into our circle of supporters. 

"For this year's annual city Purim parade," Ziona adds, "our 'Friends' decided we should be represented with a float. With their help, we prepared a beautiful representation of who we are. Our 'Friends' prepared mishlochei manot (holiday gift baskets) for us, and our students prepared for needy children. When the City of Karmiel marked sixty years to the Allied Victory over Nazi Germany, we were part of the program. Our youth read parts of the proceedings, played instruments, sang and marched in the parade.

"In addition to our monthly meetings, many of our "Friends" just drop by to see what we need. For our new immigrants, it gives a sense of being cared for. At the parting ceremony of any program, not only do our "Friends" participate, but they make sure that each immigrant leaves with some kind of gift. The students who enlisted in the army were given backpacks and an individually wrapped package with the kind of essentials a typical Israeli parent would buy a child before going into the army. Each Ethiopian Kedma student received a beautiful watch before parting."

In short, Ziona concludes, "with the help of our "Friends", more and more Karmiel residents are finding their way to our doors, and they often come bearing gifts. Our former residents are also part of the Absorption Center community. They come back to visit, use the internet, come on trips with us, and often help by showing the newcomers the ropes."

Empowerment in Work and Spirit

In the newly stocked law library of the Ra'anana Absorption Center, one can often find men and women poring over texts, with French-Hebrew, English-Hebrew and Spanish Hebrew dictionaries scattered around the table. "They are studying for the Israeli BAR," explains Ruti Berkowitz, Director of the Ra'anana Absorption Center. 

"We host professional programs and the support of our "Friends" has given us an added value, particularly for immigrant lawyers." The chair of the Ra'anana "Friends of the Absorption Center" is a lawyer, and he spearheaded a project which included the establishment of a small law library, lectures on Israeli law and a pairing program whereby local lawyers mentor new immigrants who are preparing for the BAR and looking for a clerkship. One Israeli lawyer even donated a computer program documenting precedent-setting cases. 

"Another Friend of ours is the head of the Ra'anana Women's Council. She organized an International Women's Day celebration here in the Center with assistance from our staff, the immigrants and the extended community. It was only for women; our residents, other new immigrants from the area and Israeli guests."

The hall was tastefully decorated with booths set up around it. As the women entered, they had a choice of booths for massages, manicures and assorted therapies. At each place-setting, was a flower, a ceramic hamsa and a program written in Hebrew, French, English and Spanish. After dinner, the formidable femmes were entertained by a local dance troupe and various vocalists, each donating their services. "Women celebrating women. It was a wonderful event, connecting, empowering and invigorating. The only complaint was that we can't do it more often," laughed Ruti.