I wish you all the best in what looks like a wonderful future for you. Army will be tough but you have the 'attitude' and sound well prepared.

This what this country needs, people who believe in Israel and people who believe that running away is not the answer, but making Israel a better and stronger country. The more we are the stronger will be. I myself came to live in Israel from South America and lived very close the 2nd Lebanon war where my house was damage the first day of the war. After that I realized that I made right desition coming to Israel, even though my family and friends asked me if I wanted to go back. I am israeli and Israel is my country.

Isaiah 49:14-26. Zion says, "who has begotten these children for me?" They say the land is not enough for us. Lord says to Zion: "I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children. 26 I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh, And they shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine. All flesh shall know That I, the LORD, am your Savior, And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."

I have been here for 31 years and have never regretted a minute of it. Good luck in all you do, Tania.

Having come from a similar USA-desert (Phoenix) to join the Israeli army... Always remember your feeling now. Times will not always be perfect and there will be walls that you have to get through, especially while you are in the army. Zionism of the sort that you have is rose-colored glasses. Just make sure that you always remember where your glasses are!

You're one cool dudette! Welcome home!

Hi Sweetie, I hope you are reading this column. I am glad you made such decision and I fully support it! I don't know you but I know the feeling you have. I came to Israel on a Birthright Trip a few years ago (during suicide bombing times) and decided to do more for Israel, so I stayed in a kibbutz for some 8-9 mths. But that wasn't enough. I made aliyah and wanted to go to the army, to combat unit but I was already older than 18, so I could volunteer for 2 years. At that time I had a job already. I wanted then to sign up to MDA and volunteer. And than the 2nd Lebanon War broke out. So after it ended I signed up for MDA and that's where I volunteer by now, glad to do more for israel :) Good luck girl! :)

Sorry but there is creme brulee with sucrazit in Israel! I brought the receipte over here in Greece and try to convince my fellow citizens that it is tasty...

Except for the spelling errors very uplifting. Mazel tov on being a brave individual and a true Jew. Your parents should be very proud of you as I am.

Unfortunately, religious Israel repels. My bet is she will ... All the best to you, Tanya.

Very well said. Excellent writer, would like to read more of her experiences In Israel.

Nicely written

"...count change every time I buy a falafel." I've been living here for over20 years and never had to count my change anywhere, not once. Love the falafel!

I made the same move at the same age, met and married a wonderful sabra, my parents made Aliya, my 3rd of 4 children completes her IDF service tomorrow! Shana tova and have a great and meaningful life in Israel!

Go girl.very moving.