Family Journey

Truly, the LORD God of Israel has scattered and is re-gathering His Jewish people to the Land of Israel. With a family lineage extending to Germany, Spain, and South America, Hanah and her family (husband plus six children, the last of whom was born here) are back in their Biblical homeland.

Amazingly, both Hanah and her husband were born in the same town in South America, but did not meet and marry until they were living in Florida, in the United States. Some years after marrying and beginning to raise a family of their own, something began to stir in Hanah’s Jewish heart: Israel. Something was missing, something was lacking in their lives, despite their faith in the God of Israel.

Deciding to Make Aliyah

Later on, they were invited to a conference about aliyah (Jewish immigration to Israel), where speakers emphasized the importance of Jewish people returning to the Promised Land. Hanah’s husband became interested, and they decided to make aliyah, especially since their children were young and could therefore better adapt to a new life.

Preparing to Make Aliyah

Once their decision was made, their lifestyle changed. Instead of thinking about buying material possessions, they thought about selling them, knowing that they would eventually move far away. They also began preparing their children, explaining to them the significance of making aliyah. Interestingly during this time, they noticed rising anti-Semitism in the schools.

Prior to aliyah, Hanah and her husband were blessed by two opportunities to visit Israel. The first visit connected them to the Land, and the second one strengthened the connection, so much so that Hanah’s husband exclaimed, “That’s it.” Their aliyah decision was solidified.

Still their preparation time was not without its obstacles. Hanah says quite frankly, “Our family members thought we were crazy.” Their comments tended to discourage: “It is dangerous in Israel.” “Will your children be safe?” “What about them serving in the army?” But she and her husband made up their minds not to pay any attention and to ready themselves for new situations. Seeing increasing anti-Semitism in the nations and turning to the Bible promises of God, they took comfort from God’s assurances that His presence and protection will be in the Land that He covenanted to His people. “Israel is the safest place in the world for Jews; they need to run here!” says Hanah, quoting Psalm 121, particularly verses 4 and 7.

So she and her family finalized their preparations to move, giving away or selling all of their furniture. Hanah advises shipping one’s furniture, if finances allow. Of course, she notes, financial help for aliyah is available from Jewish federations and other organizations. However, she and her husband decided to make a new material start here, bringing only personal belongings, small electrical appliances (for which adaptors are available), and some favorite kitchen items.

So finally, the big day arrived—aliyah day! What was it like? Says Hanah, “When we arrived we were very tired and very nervous but very excited. The children were so happy.” Jewish Agency officials welcomed them and guided them in their first steps, and a sherut (group taxi) whisked them away to their first home, an absorption center. Within a month, they were already in a home of their own.

Together as a family, they made the adjustment to a new culture. Learning Hebrew was a challenge for everyone, although, as Hanah points out, knowing English is a big asset. Yes, they also endured financial difficulties; however, after receiving good counsel from a financial adviser, Hanah’s husband started his own business. Now, thank God, she says, they are doing well. Hanah is also pleased with the public education in Israel and is happy that her children are in a Jewish environment. She points out that Jewish school in America would have cost them $400 to $500 per month per child—quite expensive with a family of six children!

Today they are at home, and in order to make Israel your home, says Hanah, you must decide to “leave Egypt” and “start all over again, get settled here.” She encourages Jews everywhere to trust the “great promises” of God concerning this Land and to believe that “nothing is impossible.”

In the spirit of the Hannah of the Bible, who also put her faith in God, she says to her fellow Jews in the Diaspora: “As a Jew, you cannot be complete if you are not in this Land; this is your home. In what other place in the world has God promised to put His Name? Where else has He pledged to keep a watchful eye? Here God has promised to restore our lives as Jews and our relationship with Him. All the promises are here—not in the Diaspora. Come home!”