Naomi Oren’s life is a testament to resilience and determination. Born in rural Siberia, her parents tried to abort her, but fate intervened. Growing up in a non-practicing Jewish family, Naomi discovered her heritage by chance through Jewish Agency activities. At 14, she learned about Naale, a program for teens to attend high school in Israel, and seized the opportunity to start anew.
Naomi’s parents were relieved to see her go, and she began her life in Israel at Kibbutz Gadot. She found a loving adoptive family, who became her rock. “They showed me what it meant to be part of a loving, caring home,” Naomi says. After graduating high school, she did a year of National Service and served in the Air Force Canine Unit. Naomi then pursued engineering, overcoming academic hurdles with the help of the Atidim organization’s TakeOff program.
Through TakeOff, Naomi received tuition, a living stipend, tutoring, and job assistance. She volunteered with new immigrants and mentored students, feeling it was her way of giving back. Naomi’s career flourished, with stints at Super-Pharm, a consulting firm, and a leading defense company. She recently joined Nvidia, the world’s most valuable company.
Personally, Naomi met her husband during college, and they have two sons. “Raising my children here is a privilege,” she says. Despite the current war, Naomi’s love for Israel has deepened. “This is my home, and I am here for better and for worse.” Naomi’s story showcases Israel’s transformative power and her own determination to succeed.
Naomi reflects, “I have been given so much and come so far here. If you are ready to take, this country is more than ready to give.” Her journey from Siberia to Israel is a shining example of resilience, gratitude, and patriotism.
Today, Naomi lives in Kiryat Ata, building a home in Kibbutz Afek, and continues to mentor students through the Atidim Alumni Association. Her love for Israel and determination to succeed inspire others, proving that with hard work and the right support, anyone can thrive.