The money I received as a result of the efforts of The Jewish Agency allowed me to fly...and participate in the competition.

From August 2016 to July 2017, The Jewish Agency facilitated the Aliyah of a total of 27,770 Jews from around the world, including 15,720 from the FSU (7,435 from Russia and 6,345 from Ukraine).

Like many new immigrants who arrive in Israel, Artyom went through a Jewish Agency absorption center and ulpanim (immersive Hebrew language programs) to ease his integration into Israeli culture and society. The Jewish Agency also offers young Aliyah programming and financial assistance for college and army-aged olim, singles, and young families.

Artyom remembers how The Jewish Agency, “helped me get financial aid so that I could go to the World Championships abroad. (Since) the sports associations of the Israeli Culture and Sport Ministry do not provide any assistance. The money I received as a result of the efforts of The Jewish Agency allowed me to fly to the competition, get a hotel room, and participate in the competition.”

At his third World Championships (Serbia 2015)—and his first representing Israel—Artyom’s Belarusian national team asked him, “What are you doing in Israel’s uniform?” He described his journey to his former teammates, saying, “My life has changed. I am an Israeli.” He proceeded to win a gold medal in martial arts and a bronze medal in kata at those World Championships.

Now, while Artyom still competes and trains in martial arts, he has three jobs. He works in a pharmaceutical factory and teaches karate at two venues —a youth club and a community center in Kiryat Bialik.

“I hope that in the future, I can open a club of my own that will raise the next generation of martial artists,” he says.

In fact, when he won the medals at the 2015 World Championships, Artyom received a letter from Israel’s president that stated, “Congratulations, and continue to train children.”

“When I look at my life before Aliyah,” Artyom says, “I remember that I competed for Belarus and showed respect for the country. But, I was not treated with respect in return. What do I want to do today? Continue to train the next generation, so that they can gain confidence and earn the respect they deserve.”