When arriving to these obscure places, we ask the local administration if they would help us in our search for Jewish people. We thank God for their help and sympathy, because it’s not a simple task. The Jews of those past generations preferred to keep quiet about their heritage; many of their descendants in the rural areas have no idea that they are Jewish. These young people don’t know anything about Torah, Jewish tradition, or the Hebrew language – much less the possibility to “make Aliyah,” immigrate to Israel.

The Sabra staff members make contact with these lost Jews and inform them of their Jewish identity, explaining why it matters to them (and to God), and how they can start a new life in their ancestral homeland. Most listen with interest. At the very least, it presents one way to escape the poverty of their surroundings.

If they express a desire to immigrate, there are new challenges: Working with archives and restoring old documents to confirm their Jewish background, securing payment and help for trips to the Israeli Consulate, covering the expenses of transporting the family and their belongings from their village to Novosibirsk, where the Jewish Agency takes over.

It’s a long process for each family, but incredibly rewarding.

Meanwhile, back in Israel, Sabra helps new olim (immigrants) from many countries. Besides Russia and the former Soviet Union, we provide much-needed support to immigrant families from Romania, Lithuania, Argentina, and more.

Sometimes the move is physically and emotionally traumatic, and they must cope with family members who have become invalids, homeless, alcoholics or drug addicts. Sabra connects these brave immigrants with the Israeli organizations that can best help them regain stability and become settled citizens.

All of this takes prayer, patience and help from Sabra’s friends around the world.