Last week I shared the story of a man who made aliyah from New York after retiring, offering insight into the challenges and benefits of moving to Israel later in life. This week, in contrast, delves into the aliyah story of a close friend of mine - and fellow Jerusalem Post colleague - who immigrated as a young child during her primary school years.
Having spent her early childhood in Manchester, Shifra Jacobs was only 11 years old when her family made the life-changing decision to move to Israel. Although Shifra was sad to leave behind her home and friends, she was also excited at the prospect of moving, as it felt like an exciting adventure. Looking back now, she shared that she wasn’t really old enough at the time to truly grasp what Israel would entail.
Shifra’s family - her mother and brothers - initially settled in Karmiel in the North, but after realizing that it wasn’t the best fit for them, they soon relocated to Jerusalem a few months later.
Challenges of living in Israel
As a pre-teen, in seventh grade, Shifra described the challenges she faced starting over in a new school, adjusting to a different culture, and navigating life with a new language. Learning Hebrew, she recalled, was particularly difficult.
“I found it really difficult. I became really shy about my accent and felt incompetent, and I started to refuse to speak Hebrew for a long time. I would say it took a few years to get over that block.”
Shifra’s experience of struggling to learn Hebrew and adapting to a new school and culture reflects what many children and teenagers go through when they make aliyah at a young age, often as a result of their parents’ decision.
With time, Shifra became more comfortable and confident speaking in Hebrew and now speaks it almost fluently. Even so, like many of us who make aliyah and struggle with learning the language, she has experienced many language-barrier moments or hurdles. She recalled one particularly awkward yet funny story in which she thought someone had told her that they were excited (מתרגש) but they had in fact actually said that they were getting a divorce (מתגרש). Mortified, Shifra said that she didn't respond to the message for hours as she didn't know what to say.
At 19 years old, along with all Israeli citizens who reach this age, Shifra was drafted into the army, in the International Relations Unit. She described her army service as one of the biggest challenges she faced as a relatively new olah, who was now expected to function fully as an Israeli.
“When I was drafted into the army, I felt really ‘other.’ I wasn't a lone soldier, but I also wasn't fully Israeli in a cultural sense, and I felt that I didn't really fit in anywhere.”
Although it was a bit lonely and confusing at first, Shifra said that she eventually found her footing. One source of strength during tough times, was her late furry friend Lexi, who offered her a lot of joy and comfort, and was by her side for almost 15 years. She is loved and sorely missed.
Memorable moments
Despite the many difficulties that come with making aliyah at a young age, Shifra also shared some memorable and often humorous moments from growing up as a British-Israeli olah in Jerusalem.
“When I was about 12, I went to a cosmetics store with my mum, and thought I saw some eyelash serum/cream. There was a picture of white cream and eyelashes, so I went with that, exploring products as young kids do. I got home and put it on excitedly, blinked, only to find out it was hard to open my eyes because it was EYELASH GLUE. I stuck my eyes together with lash glue. Never living that one down.”
Now, in her twenties, Shifra is a singer-songwriter, living in Jerusalem and working at The Jerusalem Post. Looking back, she is grateful that her family moved to Israel and to be living here. Although it took time to adjust, she says that Israel is her home and that she wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
“I grew up here, my family made memories here, my formative years were here, and my future is here. It took a long time to get here, but I did.
“I think moving countries again would be too much!” she added.
Now, as a young British-Israeli living and working in the capital city, Shifra feels that it is important for those considering aliyah to understand that while the journey isn’t easy, it is definitely worthwhile.
“It absolutely isn't easy,” she said, “but you can also create such a beautiful life. The people, the different cultures, and the unity are something you don't usually feel in other places.” She also emphasized that it is ok to acknowledge the struggles: “It's also okay to not come here and to feel like you're ‘living the dream.’ It's hard to be an immigrant, and it's okay to say so.”