June 30, 2009 / 8 Tammuz 5769

Born in Uzbekistan, Kosta (22), was involved in Jewish Agency summer camps from a very early age, first as a participant, and then as an instructor. His growing involvement in Jewish activities strengthened his connection with his Jewish roots and with Israel. “Ever since I was little,” Kosta recalls, “I knew I wanted to – and would – come to live in Israel.”

Once Kosta turned 18, he immigrated to Israel through the Jewish Agency SELA program, for students arriving in Israel before their parents. Kosta lived a Jewish Agency Absorption Center in Kfar Saba for nearly a year, where he learned Hebrew and Math and did the psychometric exams for university. “I loved the atmosphere at the absorption center,” Kosta says. “I met friends from around the world, all new to Israel and figuring it out together. At that point, I wasn't sure whether to continue with higher education or join the army.”

But he decided shortly thereafter and enlisted to an elite commando unit. "My army service was excellent", Kosta says proudly. “I enjoyed the work I did immensely, and felt like I was contributing to my country.”

A month and a half before the end of his service, the IDF referred him to Wings, a joint initiative of the Jewish Agency and the Merage Foundation, that offers soldiers nearing the completion of their service a five-day seminar introducing them to their rights and benefits, including national insurance payments, medical insurance, taxes and college scholarships for new immigrants. Kosta also learned how to write a resume in Hebrew and interview for jobs. “Wings was incredibly helpful. I was able to ask the staff everything I wanted to know about civilian life,” Kosta explains. “I left feeling very prepared for my future here in Israel.”

Kosta was released from the army in June 2009, and is now living in Haifa. He hopes to start working soon and would like to start his academic studies next year in Economics.