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    • New activity center for new immigrants from the former Soviet Union opens in Tel Aviv
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    New activity center for new immigrants from the former Soviet Union opens in Tel Aviv

    Umito Posted on

    A new activity center dedicated to providing a welcoming and dynamic home to new immigrants from Former Soviet Union (FSU) opened in Tel Aviv this week, the Shishi Shabbat Yisraeli (SSY) initiative announced Monday.

    “La Dacha” activity center is the first space rented by SSY in Tel Aviv, located at 1 Galil Street. It will offer Jewish and Israeli cultural workshops, Hebrew classes, excursions, Shabbat and holiday meals, as well as volunteer opportunities and support systems to help new immigrants.

    On Sukkot, more than 150 young people Russian-speaking immigrants gathered to celebrate the holiday as well as the opening of the center, SSY said.

    Daria and her partner Sasha, who recently arrived in Israel from Moscow, spoke about their trip to Israel and their integration into Israeli society through the activity center.

    When Russia invades Ukraine in 2022the couple was faced with harsh realities and difficult choices regarding their future. At age 24, Daria and Sasha left Russia and their families for Israel and were motivated by their connection to their Jewish identity and Israel.

    New immigrants, many from the former Soviet Union, gather to celebrate Sukkot and the opening of the Dacha activity center in Tel Aviv. (credit: SHISHI SHABBAT YISRAELI)

    The couple embarked on a two-year process of paperwork and preparation, finally arriving in Israel in September 2024, SSY reported.

    When speaking about their determination to settle in Israel, they discussed new beginnings as well as some of their struggles along the way. “The decision to leave Russia was not easy. But we knew that we wanted a place where we could live safely and feel that we had a future, also as Jews,” Daria explained.

    Upon arrival in Israel, the couple found support at the SSY center in Tel Aviv and regained a sense of belonging. “It’s not just a physical space,” Daria said. “It’s a true community that offers us support, understanding, and the opportunity to meet people who are going through similar journeys.”

    Upon meeting others, Daria shared: “We met a couple from Haifa and immediately felt close to them. The friendships we build here, especially with people who understand what it’s like to start over, make a huge difference.

    Daria spoke about the safety net and strength that SSY brought them, especially because their families remained in Russia, SSY noted.

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    The opening ceremony of the SSY Center in Tel Aviv took place in a joyful holiday atmosphere with music from olim groups, food, professional photography and sharing meaningful experiences together.

    The vision behind “the Dacha”

    SSY CEO and Founder, Linda Pardes Friedberg, described the vision behind the new center, saying, “Our goal is to be a welcoming community for the most talented and motivated young new immigrants who have chosen the region to Tel Aviv as your new home!

    “Here they will have experiences that will help them feel proud to be Jewish and Israeli, to be part of contemporary Israeli culture and history, and to be more confident in their Hebrew. They will find good friends like-minded and truly supportive.”

    Friedberg continued: “We see ourselves as providing a social and cultural safety net that will help our new immigrants from the former Soviet Union – who make up 70% of today’s Aliya – adapt in the best possible way and to become strong and contributing leaders in Israeli society.



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