In early September, Ezra Argentina started running 4 interactive online Hebrew evening classes, known as 'Ulpan'.  These are pitched at beginner and intermediate levels for Spanish-speaking new migrants (Olim) in Israel as well as classes for students in Latin America, most of whom are in the process of making aliyah.

Spanish-speaking Olim in Israel have often struggled to get onto an Ulpan once in the land, classes might not have been available or once they had started work it was hard for them to attend.  The Ezra Ulpan not only helps provide much-needed language skills for the Olim but has become an amazing support group especially during these stressful times of war. Students testify to this, and that in this loving and supportive environment they are also relaxed and enjoying the classes and feel OK about having a go and making mistakes.  
The Latin American classes also serve as support groups where  students of all ages find encouragement in these uncertain days with the sharp rise in antisemitism and as they too are deeply impacted by events in Israel.  One of the students is a well-known, professional musician, so that class always starts with a different song in Hebrew! 

The teacher or 'mora', Liat is very dynamic, friendly and open.  She has lived for many years in both Argentina and Israel, understanding the particular pronunciation issues for Spanish-speakers learning Hebrew.  She often brings in the root meaning of the words and relates the language to the culture, teaching phrases related to Israel's days and feasts as they occur.  She makes time for every question and encourages everyone to speak. 
At the beginning of each class, time is given to find out how the students are.  This is how the team has been able to get alongside and comfort the Jewish community in these weeks that have been so painful and challenging for many, in many cases building on friendships formed before they emigrated.  For other students, this is their first contact with Ezra as they have heard about it by word of mouth.  In this way, Ezra has also become better known and will be able to help more people make aliyah.
Students also support one another and form close relationships.  One lady was able to encourage another lady to apply for a job at her husband's firm after she lost her job. The Ezra Argentina team are always on hand to bring words of encouragement in the class and in the related whatsapp groups.  Some students also privately message the team asking for pray for different issues. 

Mariela from Ezra testifies that although it was quite a rush to set it all up, she can really see God's hand in the timing, as the groups were established and settled before the tragic events in Israel.  'The impact of the Ulpan has gone way beyond our expectations!' she writes.  New people are joining all the time and she constantly receives encouraging inquiries like this,  ‘We have heard that Ulpan Ezra has a very high level of teaching and they make you feel supported and emotionally nurtured. All the students speak very highly of Ulpan Ezra, and we want to be part of it!’  
Please pray for the team who put a lot of work into running the classes and supporting the students.  They need strength and wisdom to respond to each student's needs in these difficult times.  Pray for God's presence in the classes that the students continue to feel comfortable, relaxed and loved.  Pray that God would give each one a supernatural ability with Hebrew that is so necessary for their absorption in Israeli culture.

Here is some feedback from the students:

'Hi. I'm Silvina, I've been living in Israel 2.5 years.  I am on the Ezra Ulpan.  I came here with a basic knowledge of Hebrew from Argentina from primary & secondary school and then I studied with a private tutor.  As soon as I heard about this Ulpan, I wanted to sign up.  I am very enthusiastic.  We're going really well, and it helps me a lot, even though I am often tired after work because the days are long here in Israel with the war.  To be able to share with the group is really great and this support helps me a lot.  So I just want to thank Ezra, which is like family for me, for all you offer and for this time which is a short hour but I enjoy it very much.  So, I thank you with all my heart as we continue here in Israel.'

'Yesterday my wife joined the class because she had some time off work (she's been working long hours).  She was very motivated, and she started to say words and she was quite emotional, and she was very much encouraged.  She finds it hard because she's very timid and that's also why yesterday she didn't want to appear on camera.  It seems like it was the first lesson she was able to take part in.  We tried to take the course that the AMIA put on, but we weren't able to continue.  But I must tell you she enjoyed this class very, very much. If, although she is timid and although she finds it very hard to learn, she really got into the class, then we have to give the teacher and the course 100%!'

'It's important that you know how good it is what you are doing, and we are very grateful.... The teacher is excellent.  Really I love how she teaches.  You learn a lot even though the time is short.  I love learning so I would prefer the class to be an hour and a half long or 2 hours.' 

'I love Thursdays!'

'The class was AMAZING! Thank you, Ezra, Thank you, teacher!  I wrote down 24 new words. Thank you! (3 hearts and a wave)'  Clau Kraasnopolsky Benicio

'You have both made me laugh.....   I was very sorry to have to miss the class today.  I have a great time in the classes and on top of that I learn Hebrew, but I had a revolution going on with my 3 small children, so I just didn't have the time today.'  Esther

'The class is excellent, thank you' Sabri

'A really great class!!  Thank you!!' Roxana