Israeli news during the past week has been upsetting (at least to me). Wimpy officials gave in to the terrorists’ hunger strike, civilians attacked at Rachel’s Tomb, and more rocket and rock-throwing attacks as Arabs “celebrate” their Nakba day.
What other country in the world would continue to allow their citizens to be subjected to terrorism at all? What is wrong with this country? I’ll tell you… What’s wrong with Israel is the fact that millions of Jews choose to remain in exile and that sends a message to the world that either this country was never really ours or that Hashem isn’t powerful enough (G-d forbid!) to draw and maintain us here.
In a recent Jewish Press article, Tzvi Fishman wrote the following:
“And when they came to the nations into which they came, they profaned My Holy Name, in that men said of them: These are the people of the Lord, and they are gone out of His land” (Ezekiel, 36:20).
This prophecy informs us that the unnatural situation of Jews living outside the Land of Israel is a desecration of God. Why? Because in the eyes of the gentiles, our presence in the Diaspora proclaims that God lacks the power to keep us in His Land. That was back then in Ezekiel’s days. Now, in our time, when God has returned the Land of Israel to the Jews, the situation is even worse, for it seems, in the eyes of the gentiles, that in clinging to our Diaspora communities, we prefer foreign lands to His.
The truth is that the current Israeli government is not what it should be because many of you aren’t here to vote in the change required to bring in the type of government this land and our people were meant to have.
I’ve heard that there are many reasons why some people can’t or won’t make Aliyah. If you’re not currently living in Israel, I’d appreciate it if you’d share your reasons in the comment section below. There are many of us here waiting to assist those whose hearts are here but bodies are elsewhere. And just for my own sanity, I’d like to know why others refuse to perform this most important mitzvah.
Dear Tehillah,
I am responding to your article and in particular to your comment about the many people waiting in Israel to help people make aliyah. While it is nice to read your words, the reality is very different. I am a returning citizen who lived overseas for many years. I came back with a family. I had to get relicensed as a lawyer, which required me to do an internship and pass exams. I found the internship on my own, passed the exams and got my license on my own. I can tell you that despite turning to many organizations and people, we have received very little assistance, have had to use up a large portion of what we have saved over years, so as to live here for a year and a half. Now, I am scrambling to find a job before we run out of money completely. The reality is that Westerners will not make aliyah in large numbers as long as the country fails to know how to absorb them, continues to be a ‘small minded market’ that sucks the strength, enthusiasm and savings out of newcomers. Most people in Israel think we are crazy for coming since we had a dream life overseas. Very few have any actualized desire to help in any way beyond lip service. We love Israel deeply, but we realize that the country may have moved forward in many respects, it is still very backward in many ways that matter for good integration of olim from advanced countries.
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Hi Amir,
I’m sorry to learn of your struggles. My husband and I had a similar experience upon arrival because we were both over 45, but eventually (13 months and 1.5 years later) secured work (he employed, me a freelancer). I believe that we all experience different tests from G-d upon returning to our land. Ours was employment too. I’ve forwarded your contact information to a lawyer I know, perhaps he will be able to assist you. Keep in touch.
Chag Kasher v’Sameach!
Tehillah
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