In the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis DeLayfette meet at the onset of the Battle of Yorktown – the decisive American Revolutionary war victory that led to US and French troops prevailing against the British. The two talk about the massive challenges that lie ahead and with a confident hi-five, they boast in unison, "Immigrants – we get the job done!"
Israel, like the United States, is a nation of immigrants. Jews who arrived from every corner of the globe to settle in their homeland. And although life here has become much easier over the years, finding one's footing can still prove quite difficult. However, every year, hundreds of olim make aliyah and many change the country for the better.
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According to the Jewish Agency for Israel, some 16,000 olim made aliyah in the first six months of 2019 alone. From January to September 2019, the number of olim arriving in Israel through the Jewish Agency reached 26,574, an increase of 27% compared with the same period last year.
Below are a few immigrants – the majority of whom made aliyah through with Nefesh B'Nefesh (and its partners, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, Israel's Ministry of Aliyah & Integration, The Jewish Agency for Israel and Jewish National Fund-USA) – who've not only found a home in Israel but have flourished and embody the Zionist spirit of optimism and preservance.
As Israel celebrates Aliyah Day, these olim talk about why packing up their bags and coming home was the best decision they've ever made.
Tatiana Hasson, 27, Director of Engagement at The Israel Innovation Fund and Director of Wine on the Vine Made aliyah in 2016 from Boston.
"Making aliyah was something I dreamed of since I was 18. At 25, I was ready to live my best life in the
place I wanted to be most.
The culture, people, and inspiration in Israel was what caused such a strong pull for me to Israel. Yes, sometimes it's hard to pick up and leave a life behind, but I was stoked to move to a place where I would be happiest and the best version of myself. Though sometimes it is difficult, I can confidently say that since making aliyah there has never been a day that I regret my decision.
Israel has allowed me to flourish and continue to strive to be the happiest, most fulfilled and driven version of myself. Israel is a place that creates an opportunity for young people to succeed – and I hope that every oleh can find their success here."
Arsen Ostrovsky, 39, Executive Director of The Israeli-Jewish Congress (IJC), Made aliyah in 2012 from New York
"As a proud Zionist, making aliyah has afforded me the tremendous opportunity and privilege to have a direct say on the future and direction of the State of Israel, as well as to raise our family here in the Jewish state. Moreover, it has fulfilled a sense of 'belonging,' adding greater meaning and purpose to my life.
As someone deeply involved in Israel advocacy and outreach to Jewish communities in the Diaspora, I have a much greater and personal appreciation of the threats and challenges we face, and therefore the ability to make the case for Israel, as well as reaffirm the importance of strengthening our bond with the Diaspora."
Miriam Ballin, 32, Founder and National Director of the United Hatzalah Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit, made aliyah in 2012 from Texas.
"Coming to live in Israel, which geographically, is a small, minute state, surrounded by enormous threat on a constant basis, still manages to succeed in everything it does. To be able to be a part of that and contribute in ways that can only enhance Israel's resilience, success, and performance internationally, has been the best thing to ever happen to me."
Scott Neiss, Executive Director of Israel Lacrosse, made aliyah in 2012 from New York
"I feel like I have a purpose here. We're a small country and we're a young, fledgling country. I've always been motivated and hard-working but in Israel, I'm able to see my impact right away.
That's the driver for me. There's still an opportunity to not just contribute to the country, but to be a part of shaping it. In eight years, that romanticism hasn't faded. Every day is new and exciting, and, unlike America, most of the time, things move fast and without red tape."
