New Year Celebration Unites New and Long-Term Immigrants in Tirat Carmel
Approximately 120 new and veteran immigrants in Tirat Carmel gathered for a festive New Year's toast event held at the city library. The event, organized by the Absorption and Immigration Center of the Social Services and Welfare Department, aimed to foster community connection ahead of the Jewish New Year.
Attendees represented diverse immigrant communities, including recent arrivals from France, alongside immigrants from Russia and Ethiopia. The evening featured a warm community gathering and a celebratory musical performance. Dignitaries present included Mayor Dudu Cohen, City Council member Tamar Aviv, and representatives from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, as well as various social services department heads.
A particularly moving moment occurred when Rabbi Yosef Markovitch, the Chabad community rabbi, sounded the shofar, ushering in the New Year and extending good wishes to all participants.
Mayor Dudu Cohen emphasized Tirat Carmel's identity as a city built by immigrants, highlighting the importance of not just absorbing newcomers but ensuring they feel a true sense of belonging. "Our mission is not just to absorb immigrants, but to give every family a true sense of belonging," Cohen stated. "Because in Tirat Carmel, no one remains a new immigrant for long, here, you become neighbors, friends, and family." He concluded by wishing everyone a sweet new year filled with unity, belonging, growth, and good news.