Success Stories
Heartwarming Testimonials From Our Successful Olim
Anonymous, “A few weeks ago I had lost all hope. I was here in Israel, alone, and I was facing living on the streets and going hungry. I was truly at the end of my rope and thought no one cared. I have to thank LiAmi and the whole KeepOlim Organization for helping me with moral support, helping me obtain assistance from Nefesh B’nefesh and helping me with finding a place to live! Many of you reached out to me in my time of need and I truly appreciate it. I am now getting the professional help I need and I have a roof over my head. I don’t have furniture yet but it is nice not to have to sleep outside. I could not have gotten through it without KeepOlim. For those who showed concern and those who donated privately and all those offering to simply talk to me a while. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Alexander Podrabinok, “Hi, everyone! In case you think that you are alone — You are not. I met LiAmi 5 years ago when he just started his KeepOlim adventure. I would never believe that this man would help me one day to get on my feet. Thank you so much for your kindness and courage. You are doing great!
My story started when I was living in Russia in Siberia. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and had 3.5 meters of my small bowel removed. My life changed drastically. I was 19. I nearly died for the first time, but docs managed to pull me out. After 5 years I decided to move to Israel for a better life, for medicine and for independence from my parents, who were suffering as well by taking care of me.
I made Aliyah in 2016. Then I opened a barbershop business in Haifa and everything was great! I finally felt happy and free. But after a while my Crohn’s came back with double force. I ended up in the hospital for nearly a year with massive internal bleeding and that was my 2nd to 4th time meeting death. I lost the barbershop and was devastated because doctors couldn’t find what was the problem. Finally, after a year of fears, anxiety and depression, one amazing doctor decided to perform a surgery to fix what was damaged in Russia. He was tired of seeing my misery and generally wanted to help and take care. (Thank you, my friend) Everything was great after rehabilitation. I had a good job and good health. No worries… I thought.
Meanwhile, I was in the process of getting my disability from the government. According to the lawyer, if I had a job, the government would not approve my disability. So I’m jobless and have no money, no food, no health (because I couldn’t buy medicine). It was an absolute disaster! That led me to the 5th meeting with death, but by my own will. Thank god it wasn’t successful and I’m still alive, believing in kindness and good people (you might say I’m naive). To protect myself from further suicide attempts, I took a lovely dog from the shelter that keeps me up and alive
Then I contacted LiAmi all crying and asking for help!
He was the first person to make his words into action! He provided me with food, with moral support, with psychological therapy, and sometimes that’s all you need! Please know that there are people who want to help you and there are endless possibilities to improve your life with KeepOlim!
Now I’m still suffering with my physical and mental health, but I have a job, friends that support me and KeepOlim that is helping me out with food and psychological therapy. Listen my dear friend. If the end is bad then it’s not the end. Please reach out for help, don’t stay with yourself and your problems, sick help, and then you can help others. Thank you LiAmi and KeepOlim for existing and doing all this mitzva for people in need. You saved my life!”
John-Pat Meyers, “NEVER GIVE UP! A year ago, at age 57, I left a shelter with zero. I went to work in Eilat as a pool boy. I then became a garbage man but left after getting an infected leg. I had zero rights returned and then apparently owed Clalit and Zoar HaPoel?! All of these trouble and today… I have my own room and a job as a cook to sustain me. I have my own disc golf course to practic and soon will make a space to do my creative things. I just turned 58!!!
I’m writing this on a train to the airport, before going to Wales to represent Israel at the Welsh Disc Golf Open. It’s my birthday present to me. I hope I manage to get there after a 33 hour journey without problems. I managed to sort out Mas-hach-nasa (taxes) and Bituach Leumi and even paid back loans I made from people to get here from SA, with interest. I bought my son an X-Box for his 21st birthday. I just had a falafel and feel like a human being again. I have an appointment with the social worker in Yoyvata on the Eigth and will begin to navigate the system again with some help.
My point? Don’t ever quit! If I can do it then anyone can… provided they’re prepared to bust their asses for a while and take people’s shit if need be. Have faith. Work hard and be positive. I will never forget your kindness. Thank you achi!”