About KeepOlim
Every year, tens of thousands of Jews make Aliyah to Israel in hopes of finding a fulfilling life here. However, for many Olim, they are met with a harsh reality ridden with struggles and uncertainties. Unable to find a job, struggling to put food on their table, lacking Hebrew, and faced with fear and loneliness, many Olim leave and return to their home countries in defeat. The situation is no better for those who choose to stay, as over a third of all suicides in Israel are Olim. Out of this desperate need for more support for this vulnerable population, KeepOlim was born.
Our Story
KeepOlim began in 2015 from the terrible experience of LiAmi Lawrence, who struggled in Israel with no job, no money, and no hope after making Aliyah from Beverly Hills. After watching many of his Olim friends leave Israel, he eventually made up his mind to leave as well. However, convinced by his friend Tal Ekrony not to go quietly, Lawrence created a Facebook group to honestly share his struggles as an Olim. Within a week, over 3,000 diverse Olim from around the world suddenly found a community where people shared their hardships.
Lawrence joined forces with his friend, Attorney Tzvika Gravier whose parents made Aliyah from Russia, to create a non-profit with the goal of providing all Olim with vital programs, services, and advocacy. Today, that original Facebook group has grown to over 47,000 Olim and supporters. The impact of KeepOlim extends even beyond that to the thousands more lives that have been touched by our holy work.
Our Mission
KeepOlim empowers and unites all Olim, and provides them with crucial assistance necessary for them to stay in Israel. We are the voice of all Olim. Our mental health services are provided in the Olim’s native languages and we never deny assistance to anyone who cannot afford to pay. With more support that will allow us to expand our programming, we aim to keep more Olim in Israel and inspire others to make Aliyah. KeepOlim is making a lasting impact on our Olim community by changing and saving lives every day.