Lev Galinsky: Against All Odds

Perhaps no institution better embodies the idea of Israel as a melting pot than Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). Many of the University’s senior leadership were once new immigrants: President Daniel Chamovitz arrived from the United States, the Vice President for Public Affairs and Resource Development Jeff Kaye made Aliyah from Scotland, Rector Prof. Chaim Hames from England, and Pro-Rector for Education Prof. Louisa Meshi from the former Soviet Union. Most notably, in the 1990s, BGU absorbed more immigrants from the former Soviet Union than any other Israeli institution.

It was Prof. Meshi’s vision, informed by her own experience, that catalyzed the creation of the Olim L’Academia pre-academic preparatory program - which just completed its third year - supporting new immigrants at BGU. The program’s comprehensive approach recognizes that academic preparation for international new arrivals must extend beyond language acquisition to encompass cultural fluency, bureaucratic navigation, and psychological adaptation, which are particularly crucial for students whose academic journey and adult lives began against the backdrop of regional conflict. Lev Galinsky, a first-year student in the Department of Mathematics at BGU, is a prime example.

Lev’s journey from Moscow to Beer-Sheva traces back to February 2022, when Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine and spurred his family into action. Within months, Lev and his sister found themselves in Nitzana youth village, as participants in the Sela program for young Russian-speaking immigrants. Although they had visited Israel once as children, this was their first genuine experience of immersion  in Israeli life.

Next came Beer-Sheva and Olim L’Academia, BGU’s comprehensive program for bridging educational systems and cultural divides. “Together with my girlfriend, whom I met at the Nitzana Youth Village, we rented an apartment in Beer-Sheva and decided to enroll in Olim L’Academia,” Lev recalls. “We heard many excellent things about the program, and it was immediately clear that this was the right place for us, both in terms of academic rigor and of support.”

Soon thereafter, the fledgling program faced its ultimate test: on October 7, Hamas’s unprecedented assault and its atrocities upended academic routines. For Lev and his partner, both recent arrivals with limited local support networks, the crisis represented a moment of profound vulnerability.

“We found ourselves in an extraordinary challenging situation,” Lev reflects, “without family members or Israeli friends who could provide guidance or context.” The contrast between his Moscow upbringing and Beer-Sheva’s proximity to conflict zones became starkly apparent. “In Russia, a major missile strike was unimaginable; in Beer-Sheva, I was confronted with immediate danger,” says Lev.

The University’s return to studies in December 2024 illustrated both institutional commitment and individual resilience as, rather than abandoning their academic aspirations, Lev and his cohort demonstrated remarkable psychological adaptability. “When you’re immersed in rigorous academic work, there’s little mental space for dwelling on external threats,” he observes.

Indeed, the program’s intensity and benefits became immediately apparent. “Every day we studied for about eight hours, split between Hebrew, mathematics, and physics. Evenings were devoted to homework. Despite the difficulties, I enjoyed almost every moment.” Hebrew instruction proved particularly transformative: “The language studies were incredibly rigorous and helped me improve dramatically.”  

The program offered more than academic preparation – it provided tools for genuine integration. “We received everything we needed, both linguistically and academically, to advance to the next stages of our academic lives. Most importantly, we were accepted to the university as full-time students.”

Administrative support proved equally crucial.  “Olga Gershelis at the Center for Pre-Academic Studies provided enormous help,” Lev fondly recalls, “especially during the early period when my Hebrew wasn’t strong enough yet. She helped me navigate bureaucratic issues that weren’t even directly related to the University.” This support extended to deeply personal challenges. Lev’s girlfriend is dyslexic, and Olga guided her through the assessments for extended exam times. When dealing with military service requirements, she explicated the necessary documentation and procedures for obtaining a deferment.

The eventual transition to a regular academic track came through direct engagement with different university departments. “Near the end of the academic year, representatives from various fields came to speak with us.” Lev chose mathematics. “While I was deliberating which direction to pursue, the mathematics representatives explained that they teach students to develop a unique way of thinking that enhances intellectual capabilities, and that reasoning spoke to me,” he explains. Of course, the shift from Olim L’Academia to regular undergraduate courses presented its own challenges, but Lev’s commitment and resilience enabled him to face them successfully. “It took time until I could maintain the pace, but now I have virtually no problems.”

When asked whether he would recommend this path to others, Lev’s response is immediate and emphatic: “Absolutely, unequivocally, yes! Difficulties in a new country are more than understandable, but successfully completing the integration and study programs provides tremendous pride and satisfaction. Thanks to Olim L’Academia, I not only made many good friends and got to enjoy student life, but also understood what it truly means to be an Israeli.”

As for the future, Lev maintains a philosophical perspective, shaped by recent global upheavals. “Since the modern world changes at such a rapid pace, it’s impossible to know what will happen next. Therefore, I don’t make any grand plans and focus on my studies. As for what comes next – God knows!”