Since October 7, 2023, the realities of war in Israel have intersected with the experiences of a growing population of young immigrants navigating unfamiliar terrain—both literally and figuratively. Among them is Alexandra Kozlov, a 38-year-old customer relations manager at the fintech company Zota, who arrived in Israel a year prior after fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. For Kozlov, the abrupt sound of sirens and the rush to bomb shelters marked a stark initiation into a life she hadn’t anticipated but has resolved to build despite the challenges.

Data from Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics and the Aliyah and Integration Ministry show that since 2022, more than 170,000 new immigrants have arrived in the country. While the initial surge followed the outbreak of war in Ukraine, recent years have seen a rise in immigrants from Western countries such as the United States, France, and Britain. The largest demographic segment among them comprises individuals aged 18 to 35, who accounted for about one-third of new arrivals in 2025.

These immigrants often arrive without prior exposure to the perils of war or ingrained cultural ties such as military service or family networks in Israel. Yet, many are integrating through their workplaces, which have become crucial anchors amid the ongoing conflicts. Neta Vizel, an organizational sociologist who researched these newcomers’ wartime experiences, highlights that a sense of belonging and shared purpose within professional environments provides stability and meaning in uncertain times.

Companies like BridgeWise, an AI solutions firm, have actively recruited foreign talent, including recent immigrants. The company’s COO, Or Eligula, notes that many new hires come psychologically prepared for life in a conflict zone but face ongoing challenges, such as dealing with sirens during work-from-home routines and adjusting to cultural norms. This adjustment can be significant given the absence of established social networks or familiarity with local customs.

For several immigrants, the emotional and practical hurdles extend beyond the threat of war. Mijal Kelmeszes, a 27-year-old from Argentina, encountered difficulties entering Israel’s job market, citing the lack of connections and subtle social codes that shape workplace dynamics. Similarly, Anastasiya Fishelman, a software engineer from Belarus, described her evolving integration marked by increased assertiveness, illustrated by successfully securing medical appointments in Hebrew—an indication of growing confidence in navigating Israeli society.

The experience of living through war has also altered perspectives on life and work. Elie Francois Kerner, who arrived from France just days before hostilities escalated, reflected on a shift from long-term planning to a more immediate focus on survival and adaptability. Alex, a 30-year-old from England who came through the Masa program, observed that while her work in corporate responsibility continued with few interruptions, the cultural norms around communication were markedly different from those in her home country.

Despite the hardships, many of these immigrants express a nuanced sense of identity shaped by the intersection of conflict, community, and professional life. Vizel notes that they often feel caught between being outsiders and becoming part of the Israeli social fabric. However, through shared experiences—such as rushing to shelters and maintaining work duties amid crisis—they are forging new lives and identities in a country defined by its ongoing instability.

For Alexandra Kozlov and others like her, these experiences underscore a complex reality: adjustment and belonging take place alongside the persistent backdrop of war, compelling many to redefine what home means in a land of both opportunity and uncertainty.