Inaugurated merely a year ago,  Babait Beyahad / At Home-Together is able to boast over 10,000 participating families. "This project truly epitomizes the goal of successful absorption,"

Veteran Israelis and new immigrants celebrate newfound friendships at Neve Midbar in the Negev. Photo credit: Natalie Kadosh

declares Tzipi Pinkus-Hart, Director of the Unit for Absorption in the Community and Immigrant Associations. She is "moved by the energy and enthusiasm with which veteran Israelis have taken to the project. Given a framework in which to do so, they have shown a real eagerness to befriend new immigrants." She adds that during the upcoming year, special attention will be turned to the needs of two specific groups: the 2,700 lone soldiers and the 6,000 lone students in Israel who need a safety net of emotional and material support.

"We're gonna have a good time."

To celebrate one year of success, affairs were held throughout the country involving the thousands of veteran and immigrant families.

Photo credit: Natalie Kadosh

On the expansive grounds and in the sumptuous swimming pools of Neve Midbar in the Northern Negev, the Southern Region held a gala birthday event. One thousand four hundred veteran and new Israelis convened for a day of music, dancing, fun and celebration. Each connection created is individual - some share hobbies, some share professions, some have children in the same school, but all have learned from and helped each other. “We have only to gain from our coming closer together,” said an exuberant Southern Region Coordinator for Babayit Bayahad Adriana Katz. From the mood of the revelers, they all agreed.