New resident gets hang of things

'Olah chadasha' (new resident) Yael Ayalon struggles to explain to Israelis just why she came here from Montreal

By Yael Ayalon|Last update: 07.27.05 , 14:34

I made aliyah 10 months, two weeks, five days and, oh, about seven hours ago, but who’s counting?

I am originally from Montreal, Canada, and as is true with most North American "olim" (new residents) I’ve been asked the following question many, many times:

“You moved here from Canada? WHY???”

The question is most commonly spouted at me by Israelis, who look at me in total shock as I mentally weigh the option of telling the truth of my aliyah, or simply blaming it on Montreal weather. I look them dead in the eyes and start to explain myself, almost in a defensive manner, as to why I moved to this country.

“Well, as a Jew, I have always felt that this is my home. Even without family here, I’ve managed to meet wonderful people and begin the life I’ve always dreamed of.”

Nothing. No response. Eyes completely glazed over. I try again.

“This is such a beautiful country. I was here when I was 16 years old during March of the Living and fell in love with its beaches, mountains and deserts. Not to mention that this is the only place in the world where the land’s history is directly connected to me, my family and my life. It’s so great to be here!”

How's my Hebrew?

Confusion sets in. Have I said too much? Did I suddenly forget how to speak proper Hebrew? Why is this person looking at me like that?

“Oh, and of course, it’s very cold in Montreal. It can get to minus 50 during the winter! Not to mention all the snow. Here, the weather is beautiful.”

Finally, a flicker of recognition. A light. He understands what I am talking about.

This is the common conversation I have had with random Israelis, namely with taxi drivers. They are astounded that someone would actually make the choice to come to Israel from North America, also known to most Israelis as "The Land Where Money Grows on Trees."

This was especially hard the first few months after making aliyah. I made aliyah on my own, without family. My whole family is still convinced I need to be taking medication for having made this decision. I left behind a successful real estate career, my entire family (which coming from a Sephardic family, is no small feat), all my friends and a boyfriend.

What went wrong?

I did make aliyah with a great group of young adults from Montreal and yes, it did make it easier to get on that plane. But after a short period of time, I learned that getting on the plane is not the hard part. The hardest part is to not sprint, notice I didn’t say run, to the closest El Al office and buy a one-way ticket home.

Of course, as with almost every life change, everything went wrong at first.

I decided to leave the group I was supposed to spend my first six months in Israel with and I ended up in Tel Aviv with a friend of mine. Now, as most olim know, you have more of chance of being elected prime minister than finding a decent apartment for decent rent, in Tel Aviv. Apartments were either unbelievably small or so dirty even the roaches moved out.

Finally, after about a month of sleeping on a friend’s couch, I found a small, decent apartment that could have easily fit in the kitchen of my place back in Canada, but I decided I would be optimistic and make the best of it.

So, I’ve made it this far: I’ve been through every government office in this country and even a few “unofficial” ones. I’ve talked to almost every taxi driver in Tel Aviv and in the north (now my new home). I’ve dealt with angry drivers, overly flirty Israeli guys, security at every place I choose to go, which I must admit has helped me keep my purses neat inside.

I’ve argued with bank tellers and salespeople. But I’ve also been welcomed warmly by neighbors and help has been offered at every corner by virtual strangers. A smile is never far away and there is always that one Israeli who tells you “kol hakavod” ("Great!) for moving here. The best part is that usually happens on the days you need it most.

New resident Yael Ayalon lives in the north and works for a software company. She will write about her experiences - good and bad - as an 'olah chadasha' in Israel: 'In this column I want to share experiences that I’ve had, answer questions for other olim and share experiences that I will be having along the way'

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