In Parshat Mishpatim, Shmot 22:20, we find the following words which are actually reiterated over thirty-six times throughout the Torah: "You must not abuse or oppress a Ger (stranger) for you were Gerim (strangers) in the land of Egypt".

Rashi explains that we may not abuse Gerim verbally and may not oppress them by robbing them of their money. According to Rashi, wherever the term Ger is used it applies to a person not born in that country who came from another land to reside there.

The Torah reminds us that we too were Gerim in Egypt to point out the fact that none of us should feel that we have the monopoly on being better than anyone else. At one point we were strangers as well.

Today we see a similar phenomenon. The State of Israel is a very young State, not even 59 years old. However, many Israelis feel that because they are already living in Israel they can treat new olim (immigrants) inappropriately or simply not associate with them. They forget that they too (or their parents or grandparents) were strangers in the land not so long ago.

This phenomenon unfortunately alienates many people who would like to make aliya but choose not to because they feel that they will never feel fully welcome or accepted.

It is often the newer olim who are most helpful and welcoming to the newest olim. However, in terms of fully integrating into Israeli society, I believe that it is unhealthy for recent olim to solely associate with other recent olim whether it be in a social or a professional setting.

In order to help increase the amount of people who make aliya and remain in Israel, all those currently living in Israel should take upon themselves the mitzvah of loving the Ger. Each of us should try to make an effort to make Israel a welcoming place and make newcomers feel fully accepted.