Western immigrants from affluent countries such as the US, Canada, Britain or France have an easier time adjusting to life in Israel. Virtually all have some means of their own. They have been to Israel as tourists. They have strong family backing. They know some Hebrew. And, in most cases, they tend to be on the younger side.

By contrast, new immigrants from the former Soviet Union often face nearly insurmountable obstacles. A new country, new climate, new language, new economy. They arrive virtually penniless, and many are either older and alone, or young and alone.