Immigrating to Israel is called making Aliya (Ah-lee-ah), “the ascent” or “rise” to the holy land. Some may go through the lengthy process to gain citizenship, while others—like myself—are technically citizens due to their parent(s)’ Israeli status. However, without any type of registration, people in my situation need a visa to enter Israel. Anyone who enters Israel with an American passport is granted a 3-month B2 (visa), which is what happened. During my time in the holy land, many people asked me if I would ever move to Israel or serve. I thought a lot about it and have my own opinions, but what about those who made Aliya? I decided to interview two people who moved from very different situations: Shlomo, who made Aliya at eighteen after living in Israel for a few years, and my old counselor, Eliana, who moved with her family at fourteen and later became a combat soldier in the Israel Defense Forces.
I started by speaking with Eliana about her experience making Aliya as a young teenager.
How was your education different in America than in Israel?
In my opinion, American education was very strict from a young age— lots of homework, tests, and quizzes, which, of course, are important. In America, I felt like I learned a lot more in school, but I don’t know if it’s worth all the stress and pressure at such a young age. In Israel, there is much less stress and pressure in school. The system wants you to have a “childhood” and life— with every test you take in high school, there is always a moed bet- a second chance to better your grade, which makes tests less stressful. Throughout school in Israel, there is always a shorter school day on Tuesdays so that the students can participate in youth movements. I loved learning in Israel.
What was the hardest part about moving and/or getting citizenship?
The hardest part of moving for me was before the actual move. I was so scared to meet new people, learn the language and culture, and leave behind everything I knew. The second I arrived in Israel, I met amazing friends that I’m still close to today. The community I moved to was so welcoming and warm, and I think that really shows the Israeli culture. The language took me a long time to learn, but I received a lot of help at school and had friends who were also helpful.
What do you love most about Israel?
The people (how everyone feels like family)
The land- OUR ANCESTORS WALKED HERE!
What do you miss most about America?
Family! Target! Starbucks! Costco! Disney World!
How did you feel about moving into a country with mandatory military service?
Before I made Aliya, I told myself that the second I turn 18, I’m coming back to America and doing college— NO WAY I’ll do the army.
Then I got to Israel, and I wanted to be a part of the army. I wanted to protect my land.
Next, I interviewed Shlomo, who moved to Israel at fifteen, then made Aliya at about eighteen, and his experience making Aliya from Kazakhstan.
What motivated you to move to Israel?
In the Soviet Union, everything was robotic; everyone grew up to do their job, and once they were grown up, their only focus was their work. From a young age, everything was focused on being professional; no one was born, they were printed. At nine years old, I searched for depth and meaning through religious texts. Despite being Jewish, our culture was not important, no one valued anything but work and congruence. I was around fourteen when the Soviet Union fell, and there started to be a Jewish agency in Kazakhstan. There was a gap in my political and social living, so my parents sent me to a Jewish camp. The camp opened with seven Israeli madrichim, they were each so different: orthodox, kibbutznik, hippie, etc. I thought, “You’re all from the same country? I want to live there.” In short, I moved for diversity, Jewish values, and to escape the Soviet Union,
What was the hardest part about moving and getting citizenship?
The physical process of moving and making Aliya was not hard, though the emotional side of not having my parents accept my journey to connect with Judaism was.
What do you love most about Israel?
We Israelis all feel like a family. Everyone takes care of everyone. This land and this city -the old city- are flooded with culture; it’s hard not to feel connected. If there’s one people screaming values, truth, and striving towards something, it’s the Jewish people. This is a place where I can be free.
If anything, what do you miss most about Kazakhstan?
Nothing, my nephew is visiting and telling me how he feels the same way I did. In Kazakhstan, people only care about what they will get out of it and not others; the doctors only care about the summary, not the patient.
Between Eliana reluctantly moving with her family and Shlomo without his parents’ approval, both showed stories of finding connection and community in Israel. While the extent of copying and pasting individuals for productivity is less of a problem in the U.S. than in Kazakhstan, it is still a problem. Schools encourage the idea that there is only one way to be great, but greatness isn’t worth it without community and meaning, both of which are encouraged in Israel. During my time in Israel, I experienced this community firsthand by spending Shabbat and Chag with families I had just met. The Jewish people have the belief of Kol Yisrael Araivim, which means that the people of Israel are responsible for each other. Israel’s history, diversity, and focus on community are why most people love it so much and why I’ve thought a lot about moving later in life.