This video shares the story of Teddy. He made Aliyah three years ago, but has already returned to his “homeland”. While most of the video is in Hebrew with Hebrew subtitles (no translation available) those who lack the Hebrew will be able to follow the basic story as told by Teddy in English.
What really is Teddy’s story? Perhaps it is our own… It is a story about tremendous hope! It is really the story of so many wanting to live in the Land of Israel. There is this sense of belonging in Israel – a place certainly where a Jew belongs. So many want to make the move to live in Israel. So many give up! Some give up before coming, but there are those who give up just after Israel gives them a hard blow! This is what happened to Teddy, and it is so often the story that happens to many others. It happens to those who stay too and who “commit” even with all the difficulties involved, and it’s something we need to consider for ourselves every day we live here.
Israel is very different to other parts of the world. Perhaps, one thing that stands out is that most of the world is used to a first world type of life. Israel doesn’t quite fit into that category – in spite of all its “start-ups” and finger on the progress of technology. There’s really a lot to get used to. Those coming should brace themselves for the dream we have and reality that is. There’s a lot to adjust to. Learning Hebrew to at least get along – to get by – is in itself an effort. Trying to understand the “language” of Israel is a lot harder. Things are done differently! Taxation is different. Money is different. Getting work (that pays anyway!) is different. Life is different. Teddy’s story tells us some of the realities here and the things he tells us are vital for each of us to listen to. Those who can stop the “bullying” should certainly do so. Those who see it should know that sadly this is also a part of one’s life here. It is not really aimed intentionally. It is something that just is. We need to work on ways to change the things that disturb us. First of course, is the change we make to ourselves (if we are the bully), and second is the change we can bring to the rest of society in general (when they are the bully). Israel really is a beautiful place and it is so important that our behaviour reflects the nation we really are – a holy nation devoted to the laws of the Torah.
Israel has this amazing ability to show its love for its fellow. When acts of terror occur, when accidents occur – it seems like everyone is there for one. But as so often happens, this is something that has its place only. It can be just a day later when huge ambulance bills are delivered, and other realities of the accident, that the other side of Israel shows itself. Sometimes, at times like these, one wonders where all the kindness has disappeared when one feels unable to cope with the financial pressures afterwards! One can really ask if this is the same Israel! Let us watch the video with a view to it helping us to understand more about life here, the difficulties we encounter and then the consideration of how to continue when things become tough!
