ESRA, Home of English Speakers in Israel

ESRA Members Share - My Aliyah Story: From Dream to Reality As part of the upcoming Raanana Aliyah Success Story event (11.9.25), ESRA members shared their journeys of aliyah. Rachel Caplin (Australia, 2015) described life in Israel as “never a dull moment,” balancing high-tech, family, and writing. Jonathan Chiat (South Africa, 2022) spoke of Israel’s warmth and the joy of raising his family in a safe, welcoming city. Roger Lavender (UK, 1971) reflected on arriving as a child, building a career in accounting, and today celebrating a family of 31 in Israel – including three great-granddaughters – all contributing to society. Michelle Bashan (Australia, 2006) built her business Write it Right from scratch with resilience and passion. Justine & Gideon Paul (UK, 2014) highlighted Zionist values and an outdoor lifestyle as their motivation to move with two young children. Together, these voices paint a vivid picture of challenge and opportunity. At ESRA, we are proud to celebrate and share such stories, strengthening our community and inspiring the next generation of olim. Would you like to join the ESRA family? See what’s waiting for you here: https://lnkd.in/dhvg-uEN

New(ish) to Netanya? In your 30s–50s? Come alone, with a partner, or with friends for a fun, relaxed evening exploring Netanya’s lively night market, hidden wine bars, and authentic local flavors with licensed guide Debora Laskow. A perfect mix of culture, connection, and fun – and maybe even your next big opportunity. Don’t get left behind – space is limited. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eFA5HmTA

New(ish) to Ra’anana? In your 30s–50s? Come alone, with a partner, or with friends for an evening where Ra’anana’s hidden gems come alive. Sip fine wine, taste local flavors, hear stories you won’t find online, and connect with fellow olim who get what starting fresh is all about. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e-frCk43

Come see what resilience truly looks like. Subsidized by ESRA – making cultural connection in Israel easy, meaningful, and accessible for English speakers. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dVHfpfuU

Share Your Gift – Change a Life As summer winds down and Israel’s classrooms get ready to welcome a new year, there’s a quiet but powerful way you can shape the year ahead - and it starts with something you already have: your English. For thousands of Israeli students, English is more than just a school subject. It’s the key to passing matriculation exams, to entering higher education, to opening career doors in a global world. Without it, confidence fades and opportunities shrink. But with it? Futures open wide. And here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a teacher to make a difference. One or two hours a week - a friendly conversation, a little guidance, some encouragement - can transform the way a student sees themselves. Your natural gift of English can give them the tools, confidence, and belief they need to succeed. ESRA’s English Tutoring Programme, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, connects native English speakers with students across the country. The impact is enormous for the students, for their teachers, and for Israel’s education system itself. Teachers see more confident participation in class. Students start speaking without fear. And volunteers feel the deep satisfaction that comes from knowing their time and attention have changed someone’s life. “Because of you, I can speak without fear.” - Sapir High School student This is about more than language. It’s about connection, encouragement, and showing up for the next generation of Israelis. And the best part? The investment is small, but the reward, the joy, the sense of purpose, the knowledge that you’ve opened a door, is immeasurable. As the school year begins, will you use your gift of English to make an impact? Join us, and be part of the story. 👉 ESRA English Tutoring Program Training Workshop – for both new and existing online and in-person volunteers. This is a great opportunity to gain new tools, meet, and connect with fellow volunteers. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dHcn29Ux Thousands of Israeli children are falling behind academically.  Share your gift of English – help them succeed.

💛 Change lives for just NIS 18/month 💛 Join ESRA and be part of a community that: - Supports new olim - Empowers university students - Helps thousands of vulnerable children & families ✨ Plus - enjoy up to 30% off events & activities all year. Only NIS 18/month (10 payments – NIS 180/year) to make a difference every single day. ➡ Join today – Grow & Give with us: https://lnkd.in/dsx6PrgW

ESRA Magazine - More Than a Publication, It’s Our Community’s Voice ✨ For over four decades, ESRA Magazine has been the trusted voice of English speakers in Israel. Produced entirely by dedicated volunteers, it’s more than a publication – it’s a meeting place for stories, ideas, and the people behind them. Available online, by home delivery, or at distribution points, the magazine brings fresh perspectives, practical tips, and a rich mix of culture, history, and human connection. The upcoming Rosh Hashanah edition (September 8, 2025) takes you on a vibrant journey – Israel’s street art scene, moving Aliyah stories, unforgettable memories, legal guidance, and features such as: “Before He Became a Hostage, Hersh Had Been a Person” – a conversation with his mother, Rachel Goldberg-Polin. “I was honored to be awarded 2nd place in my 65 age group in the Hamburg Ironman European Championship” – writes Aviva Lavi. “The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens” – writes Lydia Aisenberg, “are an eye-popping site with the largest collection of plants in the Middle East.” Behind every issue is a network of volunteers – writers, editors, photographers, and families who turn hand-delivery into a community activity. ESRA Magazine is also a powerful platform for businesses and independent professionals to advertise to a wide, engaged, loyal readership across Israel. 💌 Ready to help distribute the upcoming magazine? Contact: bernicem@esra.org.il

New(ish) to Israel? In your 30s–50s? Step into the heart of your city or discover a new one with our ESRA Get It Right City Tours. Come alone, with a partner, or with friends and experience Israel like a local: meet fellow olim, taste unforgettable food and drinks, explore hidden gems, and uncover stories that bring each neighborhood to life. Read more & register for upcoming subsidised tours: https://bit.ly/ESRA-GIR Explore what more we can do for you: https://lnkd.in/dnRh5MfQ 

ESRA at the Jerusalem Absorption Fair At the recent Absorption Fair at Ulpan Etzion Jerusalem/ אולפן עציון ירושלים, ESRA, like other organizations showcased the services we offer new olim: personal support, community activities, cultural events, and scholarships. We also highlighted something less common at this stage - what olim can give back. Volunteering, whether one-time or ongoing, is a powerful way to gain local experience, build a network, and strengthen a sense of belonging. With over 2,400 ESRA volunteers, they’ll be with great company.

Struggling to understand what your child is really facing at school academically, socially, and emotionally? Join Dr. Lisa Kainan, Psychoeducational Consultant, for a practical, interactive online session on how to navigate the Israeli education system. Complimentary by ESRA – helping you Get It Right in Israel. Don’t stay behind – space is limited. Learn more now: https://lnkd.in/duhKT-aA