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Eli and Chana Coten: From London to Ma’alot amid war and new beginnings

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Eli and Chana Coten, recent immigrants from London, are adapting to life in Ma'alot, Israel, near the Lebanese border.
  • The family, with their two young daughters, has navigated the challenges of rocket sirens and safe room protocols during a recent conflict.
  • They found support through the Israela organization, which facilitates group aliyah and boasts a high retention rate for new immigrants.

Eli and Chana Coten, who moved to Ma'alot, Israel, from London in September 2025, are finding their footing in a new country amid significant security challenges. The couple, both 36, and their two daughters, aged 10 and six, settled in the town located about 20 km east of Nahariya. This area is particularly vulnerable, being only 10 km from the Lebanese border.

since the official warning time from when the siren went off was immediate

— Chana CotenExplaining the safety protocols and the need for safe rooms ('mamads') for new immigrants.

Their experience highlights the realities faced by new immigrants in Israel's northern region. During a recent month-long conflict, code-named Operation Roaring Lion, residents lived under the constant threat of ballistic and cluster missiles, drones, and artillery shells. Chana Coten described the initial fear of her daughters, which they eventually adjusted to, and the practicalities of living with immediate or extended warning times for safe rooms, known as 'mamads.' "Just before Passover, that was extended to 30 seconds," she explained.

Just before Passover, that was extended to 30 seconds. At first our daughters were understandably scared, but they adjusted.

— Chana CotenDescribing the evolving safety procedures and her daughters' adaptation to the security situation.

Despite the anxieties, the Cotens and their group of recent olim (new immigrants) remained in Ma'alot. Chana recounted instances of hearing rockets overhead and being caught in multiple alarm situations while traveling. "But I know that worse comes to worst, I just have to lie down and cover my head, and either way it’s all in God’s hands," she said, reflecting a sense of faith amidst the danger.

One Shabbat morning, we heard a loud metallic bang overhead as the siren started. It apparently was a rocket that fell into the wadi nearby. Once, en route to Nahariya for a dentist appointment, I got caught out by three alarms. It’s a bit nerve-racking working out what to do.

— Chana CotenRecounting specific incidents of rocket alerts and the resulting anxiety.

The Cotens' aliyah journey was facilitated by Rabbi Ilan Goldman, the UK aliyah director, who connected them with Israela. Israela, an extension of the Alyah de Groupe (ADG) organization, specializes in sponsoring group aliyah. The organization arranged a pilot trip for 10 English-speaking families from the US, England, and Australia in March 2025. Israela claims a remarkable 98% retention rate for its aliyah groups, which have expanded to include English and Spanish speakers since July 2024.

But I know that worse comes to worst, I just have to lie down and cover my head, and either way it’s all in God’s hands.

— Chana CotenExpressing her reliance on faith to cope with the stressful security environment.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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