No Oleh Alone For The Holidays
Being a new immigrant is hard enough anywhere, but for many Olim with no family in Israel, the holidays can be a time of extra stress and loneliness. With that in mind, KeepOlim created “No Oleh Alone For The Holidays” for Rosh Hashanah and Pesach, where we personally match Olim with warm, embracing Israeli host families.
From Ultra-Orthodox Chasidim to totally secular vegetarian celebrations, we have placed over 1,500 Olim in this program – many of whom have developed friendships lasting far beyond their initial meetings. About 40% of the participants are Russian/Ukrainian Olim, and for around 30% of them, this was their first time celebrating any Jewish holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I am not religious or I am non-Halachic Jewish may I participate?
Yes of course. We provide a home for every Oleh that needs one according to their needs. We find a loving space for everyone to participate.
Can I get a home in a different city and have overnight accommodations?
Yes, we pair people up based on your needs and our host families are very accommodating
I am religious and require a home equal to my religious observance, is that possible?
Yes. Again, you specify what you need, and we will make it happen.
What if I have special dietary needs?
We talk to the host families and match you up accordingly. Your needs will be met.
Gallery
Testimonials about the no oleh alone for the holidays program
“Unbelievable! Phenomenal! Fantastic! You guys are the best!!!!!!!!!!”
Leah Rachelle Berman
“Liami, I am so absolutely touched by what KeepOlim has done with this campaign. Practically tears in my eyes now when after reading Daniella’s post last night, you found a place for her and her daughter. Have you any idea what kind of merits you and all who helped have accumulated with this in Shomayim? If Moshiach comes on Rosh HaShanah (why not before?), I won’t be surprised if it is this great mitzvah that tipped the scales in our favor. I wish you and all who helped with this, including those who opened their homes and hearts to receive guests, and those guests who took the difficult step of reaching out to you a kesiva v chasima tovah!”
Malka Levine
“hey! it was perfect! Amazing seder! It was the best seder ever in my life! Thank you that you’ve found such a good place for me and beautiful energy.”
Avigdor Bartenshteyn
“I wish this project was in the whole world! There are many Jewish people living in remote places who don’t have a community to go. We are one of them, celebrating only four of us with plenty of room in our table in a remote place in the UK! Shana Tova u Metuka! Rosh Hashanah Sameaj Le culam! Keep the go work, Congratulations To you Liami and all the people who work to make that amazing page possible! ❤️”
Alejandra Salmon Suarez
“Thanks LiAmi Lawrence thanks to you I didn’t spend Rosh Hashana also, and also I appreciated very much Galia and Joe Berry who hosted me and were so friendly, nice and incredible dinner, also the Beth Knesset and Yishuv Moreshet – incredible. That was an unforgettable evening for me and an incredible way to start the new year!”
Jose Shwadsky
“You guys are amazing! We’re so proud that some of the Technion students and their families were able to participate (both as hosts and guests). Shanah Tovah!”
Eliran Sharabi
“Just got back from my ‘No oleh alone’ dinner. I just want to say thanks again to LiAmi for organizing this! And of course thanks to my hosts Yoni and Ditzah! I had a wonderful evening and met wonderful new friends. So grateful!”
Sara Manjari Porat
“Way to go LiAmi, wishing you all at KEEP OLIM a Shana tova tikateivu vetichateimu. May Hashem bless you and us with health, parnassa, happiness and many lasting friendships. ”
Colleen Lurie Bamberger
“Liami Lawrence you are not less than an angel thanks for all this effort it’s amazing!”
Sharon Levi Frid
“Wow, yashar yochachem, such an amazing initiative, thank you for doing it!”
Racheli Rubin
“As brand new olim chadashim fortunate enough to have received direct invitations, we have watched with amazement LiAmi and his team start with a simple declaration that no Olim would be alone this Rosh Hashanah, and turn it into complete reality. What a metaphor for the ability of my new country brothers and sisters to accomplish whatever we can dream to do. L’Shana tova to all.”
Melissa Dubinsky
“Well done Liami, what you have done is outstanding!!! What a beautiful heart you have xxx Shana Tova my friend <3”
Daniella Crankshaw
“I also had an amazing dinner last night! Thank you! Shana Tova u’metuka!”
Natacha Correa
“You are setting a serious example of walking the walk, not just talking. This is true love and an example of a good Jew.”
Chaya Gold
“Hi Liami I had a fantastic time at the seder with the family in Hoshaya thanks!”
Moshe Villiers