Selah is a 9-month program that helps young people aged 17-21 from former Soviet states immigrate to Israel for higher education. It began in 1995 with 80 students and has since grown significantly. The program provides intensive Hebrew language and academic preparation, assistance with immigration status and living expenses, and cultural experiences to facilitate integration.

1. Selah is the gateway to Israel
for dynamic young people,
aged 17-21, from the former
Soviet Union - Russia, Ukraine,
Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova,
Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, the
Baltic States and Georgia. What
began as an initiative with 80
students has snowballed into
a flagship aliyah program with
thousands of graduates serving
in the Israel Defense Forces and
working in a broad range of
professions throughout Israel.
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federations, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, foundations and donors from Israel and around the world. The Selah Program

2. The Selah Program
Selah, a Hebrew acronym for “students before their parents,” All of Selah’s young participants arrive in Israel as tourists. Within
A Springboard to
is a 9-month Hebrew language study and pre-academic
preparatory program for high school graduates from
three months, their status is changed to that of new immigrants.
In this way, they become eligible for the government’s
a Better Future
the former Soviet Union (FSU) to continue on to higher “absorption basket” of financial assistance. During their first
education in Israel. Selah helps to facilitate the aliyah and three-months in Israel, Selah students live at a Jewish Agency
Since its establishment in 1995,
absorption of these young adults, many of who will be Absorption Center and receive free room and board, medical after the fall of the Iron Curtain,
followed by their parents and other family members. insurance and dental treatment. During the second stage, they the Selah program has been the
For the first five months of the program, Selah participants
receive half-board and pay a subsidized rental fee, similar to driving factor in the aliyah of
other absorption center residents. thousands of bright, motivated
are immersed in intensive Hebrew language studies (ulpan).
This is followed by a pre-academic preparatory program Before being accepted to the program, candidates are required Jewish high school graduates
that includes intensive study in Hebrew, English and math, to undergo an extensive testing procedure in the FSU, including from the former Soviet Union.
in preparation for their college entrance examinations. achievement, aptitude and personality tests. A personal Selah puts these students on
Throughout the entire program Selah students engage in interview is also required.
social and cultural programs, enrichment activities, Jewish
track to college education and
studies and community volunteerism. They travel throughout gives them vital assistance to
Israel on guided field trips and hikes and celebrate the Jewish make Israel their home.
holidays, sometimes for the first time.