German teens prefer Israel
Photo: AFP
More German youths making aliyah
Dozens of teenagers from Germany make aliyah in recent months without their parents, to enjoy benefits of local education system, join army
Dozens of Jewish teenagers from Germany have made aliyah in recent months and are planning to join the army once they graduate from high school.
Jewish Revival
Kobi Nahshoni
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"Families traveled hundreds of miles to meet us and get more details about the education system in Israel. They spoke of their disappointment with the German education system. All the families talked about the education to Zionist values we provide," he said.
Some of the teens are the children of German-born Jews, others were born to Israeli expatriates and another part are the children of Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union.
Katya Gordon, 17, from Koln, who already studies at Kadoorie, said: "At first it was hard for me to be away from my friends and family, but I have found a home for myself here."
Irina Sharapova, 17, learned of the possibility to study in Israel from her mother, who works at the local community's synagogue. "I started inquiring about the project, told my mother I wanted to make aliyah, and so I did." She plans to join the Border Guard unit once she graduates.
