"KEHILOT KOLTOT" NGO
Join us in making a difference for Russian-speaking communities in Israel!
ABOUT US
"Kehilot Koltot" NGO, established by volunteers in Elul 5644 (2004), is dedicated to assisting Russian-speaking repatriates in Israel.
Our mission is to help these communities settle and integrate into Israeli Jewish culture. We offer support through Hebrew language programs, networking opportunities for professional development, cultural activities, and aid for families affected by the “October 7th” conflict. Additionally, we manage fundraising efforts for soldiers and run volunteer programs.
Our goal is to facilitate the ultimate integration of new and established repatriates into Israeli society.
"Kehilot Koltot" makes Israeli culture and identity accessib
"Klita" activities
Cultural activities
"Klita" activities
We design and implement programs to support Jewish repatriates of all ages.
Our activities include Hebrew language courses, and education on Jewish and Israeli history and culture.
Civic activities
Cultural activities
"Klita" activities
We promote activities that focus on leadership development, raise awareness of democracy and civil rights, encourage social change, and enhance
networking among both new and established repatriates.
Cultural activities
Cultural activities
Cultural activities
We host artistic projects for repatriates, including cultural shows, exhibitions, and concerts. We also organize excursions to explore Israel and its way of life, and offer affordable vacation packages to make discovering the Holy Land accessible.
Diplomas and Awards
Our programs
"Ulpan"- Hebrew language studies
Language is crucial for repatriates to secure jobs, make friends, shop, and navigate public transport.
"Kehilot Koltot" offers Hebrew classes to foster independence and accelerate integration for new arrivals in Israel.
Networking for business entrepreneurship
For repatriates, accessing information, advice, and business opportunities is crucial for building a stable livelihood.
"Kehilot Koltot" arranges monthly meetings with entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations, providing a platform for repatriates to explore job and business opportunities, strengthen their community, and achieve success.
Excursions to get to know Israel and the Jewish Israeli culture
Repatriates arrive in Israel from diverse Jewish cultures, languages, and climates, often very different from their previous experiences.
"Kehilot Koltot" helps them acclimate by providing opportunities to explore Israel's rich history and Jewish culture through visits to significant historical sites and lessons on Israeli values.
Academic Hebrew lessons for professional employment in Israel
New repatriates often arrive with degrees or professional experience that require specialized language skills for local job markets.
"Kehilot Koltot" supports them by offering academic and professional Hebrew lessons with experts, along with guidance and advice to facilitate their success in exams and industry integration.
Support of displaced repatriates during “Oct 7th war”
"Kehilot Koltot" offers crucial psychological support and community activities for repatriates during the "October 7th" war. By visiting evacuees, providing updates in their language, and organizing activities for children.
We help repatriates cope with anxiety and isolation and efforts to create a sense of belonging and address both emotional and practical needs during this difficult time.
Support of soldiers during “Oct 7th war”
During the "October 7th" war, Israeli civil communities and organizations united to support IDF soldiers.
"Kehilot Koltot" obtained a license to raise donations for the war effort and works tirelessly to bring together communities and individuals in support of the Israel Defense Forces.
Volunteers program for our community
"Kehilot Koltot" is made of 100% volunteers in various ranks, positions and projects that are unified, strengthening and developing the Russian-speaking repatriates in Israel.
Every project requires skilled, valuable and dedicated people who have allowed the NGO to succeed in the last 20 years.
Activities program for January 2025
Board members
LARISA YANOVSKY - Founder and President
I moved to Israel in 1990 from Zaporozhia, Ukraine, where I was a high school teacher of Russian language and literature. In 1991, I was elected as the first Russian-speaking absorption (aliyah) coordinator in Jerusalem.
After arriving in Israel, I worked under the Jerusalem municipality, serving as a senior manager overseeing various projects. Among my roles, I spent 9 years as an absorption coordinator, 8 years as the manager of a city community centre, the manager of the Jerusalem music centre, and the manager of business relations for community initiatives led by the city youth, until my retirement.
Today, I continue my work at the Gila Community Center in Jerusalem and have been managing the “Kehilot Koltot” NGO since 2004.
YIGAL KALBANSKY - Director of Hebrew Study Centers
I moved to Israel in 1999, from the city of Tbilisi, Georgia.
I have an M.Sc degree in engineering and communication from the Georgian State University; Ariel University in Samaria, a graduate of the Mandel Institute for Educational Leadership, Beit Berel International Institute of Leadership, a graduate of a variety of leadership development programs in the field of education, community and management in Israel, the United States and Russia.
I have been volunteering at " Kehilot Koltot " NGO since 2022.
ROXANA PETLARSKY - Culture and Leisure Coordinator
I moved to Israel in 1991 from the city of Kyiv, Ukraine.
For 25 years I worked in the Culture Department of the Jerusalem Municipality. 15 of which I was a senior manager of the municipal library department.
After I retired, I have been volunteering at "Kehilot Koltot" NGO since 2022.
ZINAIDA GUREVICH - Holocaust Survivors & Veterans Coordinator
I moved to Israel in 2005, from the city of Venice, Ukraine.
By profession, I am a teacher, of Russian language and literature where I have worked for many years, and was active in Jewish organizations since 1992 as senior coordinator of the Venice branch of the council and head of cultural programs of the charity centre "Hesed Amunah".
Today, I am a head branch of the Veterans Association in Israel. Member of the Presidency of the Central Council and volunteering at "Kehilot Koltot" NGO since 2022.
MICHAEL POLSKY - Media Manager & Operator
I moved to Israel in 2000, from the city of Moscow, Russia. I am a director by profession from the Faculty of Directing and Mass Performances at the University of Moscow.
I retired, practising in translating audiobooks and organizing community meetings as a coordinator.
Today, I have been volunteering at "Kehilot Koltot" NGO since 2006.
President's Message
Dear friends and colleagues of the “Kehilot Koltot” NGO community.
Our organization has had a brilliant and successful journey since its founding in 20004, bringing together more than 150,000 members in Israel and abroad.
Today, about 2 million new and established Russian-speaking repatriates live in ISRAEL.
This is about 20% of all Israeli residents.
I am sincerely glad that we are a strong organization,
giving the community the tools and opportunities to thrive
in their historical homeland.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our partners and each member of our organization for your tireless dedication to our common cause. I am honoured to lead such a great team.
In 2024, we are celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the Association with a large festival of concerts and excursions.
Best Wishes,
Larisa Yanovsky
Founder and President of “Kehilot Koltot” NGO.
our partners
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
Feel free to visit during normal business hours.
Hours
Open today | 09:00 – 17:00 |
