So it begins...

    So many emotions and thoughts are in my head right now. Excited, overwhelmed, and nervous just to name a few. As I try to type this entry while waiting at my gate/on the plane, I think back to 6 years ago when I decided that I wanted to move and live my life in Israel. It’s a tale as old as time; a North American getting inspired via their gap year experience while their parents and others insist it’s just a phase. Drama ensues and tears are shed - but in the end the North American moves back to their country of origin and forgets all about it. My story starts similar but the ending, as per the reason for this blog, is different.

    I remember 6 years ago when my parents insisted that I should study in Toronto and then whatever I decide to do post-undergrad they’d get on board with. Although my current feelings have changed, initially, it made me not angry but rather quite frustrated. Frustrated that I felt that they didn’t trust me. Frustrated that they didn’t believe in me as I insisted that I wasn’t “brainwashed” by the religious Zionist propaganda machine. But probably frustrated with myself, that I wouldn’t be strong willed enough to keep the spark alive as I progressed through Ryerson University (now named Toronto Metropolitan University). To try to keep this spark alive, I wrote letters to myself on items that I knew I’d use everyday. When I prayed from the siddur that my older brother gifted to me before my bar mitzvah, I had a small reminder to myself from my 18 year old self that no matter how amazing Toronto is, Israel is the Jewish homeland and is where you ought to be.

    Truthfully, it wasn’t until second year university where my feelings of frustration subsided and I started to be thankful to my parents. I was able to easily attend family smachot, spend time with family members who were not well, and be there at other important events. I managed to do well in school and got a year long co-op work term at a great architecture firm. When the USA’s borders reopened post-Covid, I was able to do school abroad while visiting grandparents, siblings, and nephews many times. All of this isn’t to show off. I guess the main point I wanted to write down (that was true for me) is that parents are always looking out for you and to never take them for granted. I am beyond thankful.

    On the topic of being thankful, I am so grateful for friends and family who already live in Israel and signed certain documents for me, helped me with getting an apartment and setting it up, or helped me network to find a job.

    Now for the actual Aliyah thoughts. My overall attitude is to expect nothing - so when/if something does go my way it would be the best thing since sliced bread. The pre-Aliyah documentation and process was not as bad as stories I heard. I don’t know if that’s because I’m single and don’t really own much, or maybe someone is watching over me. I’ll assume both are true. It's still pretty crazy that I was able to fit most of my things in two duffel bags.

An image of my two duffels just in case you didn't believe me

    I know there is still A LOT to do post-Aliyah, which is probably the part I am most anxious about but as a wise Austrian once said, “If you will it, it is no dream."

    Anyways, I think this is a decent place to end this first post. If you’re still reading this and are interested, tune in next time to hear about my first week as an oleh chadash!!