Tevet 29, 5769, 1/25/2009
Changing My Life
Yishai, and Malkah,
I heard the email you read from Joy on Thursday's show and had to reply. You've met me and seen me, a person who just 15 yrs. ago was not given much chance to live let alone make as much as a recovery as you witnessed yourself and have been overjoyed at both discovering INR and Aliyah, through that discovery and further education from both listening to your station and other sources as we have an extremely limited exposure to Judaism locally and while not rich, financially juggling our way through the current economic morass, and as we loved Israel on our whirlwind 'pilot trip', we have no false dreams or hopes, only realistic thoughts concerning the opportunities or potential in Israel and can't wait for our long awaited emigration to Israel.
We know things will be different, we know it isn't America, we are in, ok, I am in my early 50s, my wife, 40 something, and I still have chronic pain issues and a lifelong fact that my body was permanently damaged from the explosion I survived, B"H. Neither of us speak fluent Hebrew, we are both struggling although my wife, a ger, is doing much better at speaking while I'm probably better at reading.
As someone who survived a devastating explosion, while not in warfare, I may be able to give some hope to those who endure the endless 'shock' or what I was told I had, 'trauma' or for awhile, 'post traumatic stress syndrome' from the rocket fire in the south or any other part of the land of Israel. Life isn't easy no matter where you live it unless you've given up and surrendered to the system or 'net' at the bottom of whatever nation you reside in. We frankly, think we aren't bottom fishers, or for that matter, bottom fish and are capable of much more, even at this stage of our lives.
I don't think we'll feel like 'immigrants' as we certainly did not when we visited and we were very clear that we were visiting with the intent on making Aliyah and being part of Israel immediately. I think if American Jews didn't pollute themselves with television and realized that although the 'messiah' was just installed as president, that no miracles happen without Hashem and as an economist, I can honestly say that Israel has a far brighter outlook economically and jobwise than America which has a future that is cloudy on an economic basis. My family has been in the same business for over 100 years, since the 1800s and my dad actually wished he had taken my advice (which amazed me to begin with) and had sold our company 5 years ago as nothing is certain, no matter where you live.
For Am Yisroel, there is a young nation, striving to find it's footing or should I say a turnover of leadership to a younger or new generation of Jews, some who have lived their entire life there, others, from the batch of emigrants who've made Aliyah like yourself or Tovia or many other guests I've heard on INR. America, while a young nation, it is nearing the end of it's life I'm sad to say and about to undergo a major change, which would have happened no matter which candidate won the election. The solution to debt isn't more debt in most cases, especially in America's case. The US has overall been good to the Jews and the Jews have been good to America, but, IMHO, as in the past, when the economy goes over a cliff, the powers that be (politicians, etc.) need to find someone to blame.
In the past, it's been far too easy for that victim or scape goat to have been the Jews. While I pray that isn't the case in the US, already, you see the rising tide of anti-semitism. While it's not as flagrant say as in Europe, I think it's simmering just below the surface like a smoldering fire just searching for oxygen. I pray it doesn't find that oxygen before those who are fence-sitting on their Aliyah decision as this time might just be that nudge one should use to begin the process which in most cases isn't an overnight experience. Our planning took about 3 years.
I'm happiest we made our final decision before trying times began, the decision wasn't made because things got bad the move will just take place during that period. I also must say that as I watch economies around the world head south I'm glad my plans have me heading east, to Israel and only wish my immediate family would do the same. Change is no reason not to do the right thing, fear of change is even less of a reason and while some may not be happy with their situation, as someone told they'd never use their right arm, right hand, recover much vision or possibly even walk again, you saw me, I overcame all those expectations from some of the very best doctors in the US. I am leaving a comfortable life with a house that's paid for that I have no idea what it's worth and starting over, handicapable with a wife and 8 ferrets coming with me.
B"H
Best Regards, Your Friend,
Reuven Yisroel ben Lev
