"I was looking at dates and had a choice between today and tomorrow," Dubin told Israel National Radio's Yishai Fleisher and Alex Traiman Show. "When I saw the opportunity to arrive in Israel the morning of Yom HaShoah in Israel, I knew it was the right day to celebrate our rebirth and renewal in our land."
Dubin, who worked to promote Aliyah (immigration to Israel) among young Jewish Americans while living in the US, under the auspices of the Jewish Agency and later the Reform Movement, represents a growing trend in the younger generation of American post-denominational Jewish youth. He has many friends that have already made the move, and though not outwardly observant, clings to his own spirituality and acknowledged truths in a way that can only lead toward the Land of Israel.
In an age where multiple planeloads of American Jews arrive and greeted by dignitaries, IDF brigades and musical accompaniment, Dubin's lone arrival was somewhat old-fashioned, yet nonetheless quite memorable. "I actually got bumped up to business class by a very nice Russian olah (immigrant to Israel) who had been working at El Al overseas for the year and was excited to help out a fellow oleh," Dubin said. "I was met at the airport by a great friend of mine, who picked me up and brought me to Tel Aviv, where I met another friend, Natan Gesher, and dropped off my things at his home."
Dubin, a 23-year-old Atlanta native, will be living in Tel Aviv for at least the first few months as an Israeli, while preparing for the World Zionist Congress in June, for which he is a delegate.
Like many American olim-by-choice (as opposed to immigrants from countries experiencing anti-Semitism or economic woes), Scott's parents had a difficult time with their only son's decision to move across the ocean. "There were a lot of tears at the airport," Dubin admits. "I know it is not easy for my parents and will not be easy for them, but I think their strength and conviction that I am making the right decision will keep them strong."
Dubin is the first member of his extended family to move to Israel and is the last carrier of the Dubin name. His grandfather, a Philadelphia native, was always intrigued and supportive of his grandson's decision to make the Promised Land his own. "My grandfather, until the end of his life, was always the person in my family that this made sense to," Dubin said. "When I told him years ago that I wanted to do this he never questioned it – and instead just began asking me 'When is the big day? How can I help out?" Even though he isn't with us anymore, I know he is pleased that I have brought the family name to Israel."
As for all the Jews still in the Exile, Dubin believes that the younger generation, like those who entered Israel after the Jews wandered the desert for 40 years after the Exodus, are ready for an ‘Aliyah revolution.’ "I think there is definitely a buzz and an understanding that it is the thing to do," he said. "Before I left on Aliyah, I spoke at Nefesh b'Nefesh events, at an Israeli film festival and to youth in other forums. A full-court press is needed. When we went to war to defend Israel in the War of Independence, it was important that we close ranks and fight one battle. It is now important to come together - the left, the right, the secular, the religious, the Orthodox and the Reform – to work together to support those who are coming."
Dubin insists that regardless of religious denomination, young people are the key to bringing a larger chunk of North American Jewry home to Israel than anyone hopes or anticipates. "I hope that every Jew in the Exile comes on a plane today to the Land of Israel, but [in order for that to become a reality] we have to remember what Herzl said in The Jewish State – that old prisoners do not leave their cells willingly and it will be the job of the youth to turn enthusiasm into action. We have to know that it is the young generation that will actualize the vision. If all I can get are those under 18 then we will take them. We have to be working with organizations in the US – organizations such as the Jewish Agency, Nefesh b'Nefesh,Tehillah and Kumah. I am now happy to say that both the Conservative and Reform movements now have specified Aliyah programs. There is even a gar'in [core-group of immigrants] from the Reform movement coming this summer. We have to continue working with the youth and that will light the sparks of the revolution and bring them all over."
Asked if pulling Jews home from Israel is as effective as pushing them and "lighting the sparks of revolution" from the states, Dubin said that he believes it is. "When olim arrive we need to make sure they know that they can still effectively spread the message of Aliyah. Every time you call home or come in contact with a birthright trip or a friend studying for the year in Israel, you really have to let them know that they, too, are home and not just visiting."
Dubin, always the activist, began brainstorming with radio hosts Fleisher and Traiman on ways to convince American Jewish visitors that Israel is not some sort of spiritual Disneyland to be visited and draw strength from, but a place to call home on every level. "Maybe we should block the streets so Jewish tour buses can’t reach the airports to go home," Dubin suggested half-seriously. "Maybe we should go to the hotels and encourage people to get rid of their return tickets."
Fleisher mentioned an idea he has promoted for years. To stage a massive rally of olim in Israel, standing with literally open arms and inviting their brethren back in their old countries to come home.
Dubin said that although Aliyah for him consisted of saving up a certain amount of money and dealing with logistics, he is dedicating his Aliyah to a group of people who are having a much harder time reaching the Land of Israel. "There are 15,000 Falsh Mura who are still living in camps in Addis Ababa and Gondar in Ethiopia, waiting to come to Israel. Many are dying of TB and even chicken pox due to the condition and for less than $500 a person they can be brought home to Israel. I encourage anyone who wants to help them reach Israel to do so."
Summing up his first day, Dubin said simply, "I am happy to be home. The weather is perfect and I think G-d will hopefully hold back the rain for me for a while so I can enjoy this beautiful day."
Click here to listen to the interview with Scott Dubin