Dr. Hannah Flynn, 48, is a dentist, divorced and mother of two (ages 21 and 20), now resides in Ramat Hasharon. "I grew up in London to secular Christian parents. We never attended church. At the age of seven, likely influenced by my grandmother, who moved in with us, I began to believe in God," she says.
"When I was 14, we moved to the Midlands, and after high school, I started studying dentistry at the University of Leeds. There, I was exposed to people from various religions. Having grown up without a religious framework, I became curious and started asking questions. After completing my studies, I moved to York, where I met my ex-husband, an Irish Catholic atheist. We got married and moved to Ireland."
A late connection to Judaism
"We had two children, and I started a dental clinic. At 36, my ex-husband and I separated. Five years later, when the children got older, I pursued a master’s degree, splitting my time between London and Ireland. During that period, I met some Israelis and started asking questions about Judaism. I discovered this was what I had been searching for all these years—a faith where I could speak to God directly. I began studying Judaism and felt an incredible connection."
Dr. Flynn recalls: "I took a deep breath, called the nearest synagogue and the secretary arranged a meeting with the rabbi."
Conversion to Judaism
"Four years ago, I sold my clinic, moved to London and decided to convert to Judaism. At first, I was nervous about meeting the rabbi, but the community welcomed me so warmly that I never looked back. My ex-husband said, 'You were always searching for something, and I’m happy you’ve found it.' My children told me, 'Do whatever makes you happy.'"
Visits to Israel
"In March 2023, I visited Israel. When I arrived at the Western Wall, I was overwhelmed with emotion—I cried and trembled. I enrolled in a Hebrew course, thinking I knew the basics, but during the first lesson, I was surprised to learn that Hebrew isn’t written in print letters. Upon returning to London, I began exploring the possibility of making aliyah (immigrating to Israel). My children, both university students, were living away from home and already accustomed to seeing me only once every few months."
Making aliyah
"Following the events of October 7, I came to Israel to volunteer through the Sar-El organization. For two weeks, I packed food boxes for soldiers. Despite the war, I decided to immigrate. The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration connected me with a woman who helped navigate the bureaucracy and continues to assist me. For someone like me, without family in Israel, having a local contact is invaluable."
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"Last September, I officially moved to Israel, began studying at an ulpan (Hebrew language school), earned an Israeli dental license and started working."
New friends and belonging
"People ask me, 'Are you crazy? Why did you make aliyah from London?' or 'What timing...' But others say, 'Good for you.' During the war with Iran, I felt tense, but I never considered returning to London. The connections I’ve formed here are unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I once asked strangers on the street where the nearest bomb shelter was, and they are now close friends who regularly invite me for Shabbat. I even made friends at the bomb shelter and while swimming at Hof HaTzuk (Cliff Beach)."
"For years, I didn’t know what I was searching for, but I found it—I found the place where I truly belong. Although I miss my children, I can confidently say that making aliyah was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made."
'For two weeks, I packed food boxes for soldiers. Despite the war, I decided to immigrate.'
Quickfire Questions
- What British habit should Israelis adopt? "Five O’Clock Tea: drinking tea and eating cake at five in the afternoon."
- What do you miss most about England? "My children and the summer concerts in Hyde Park, London."
- What can’t you get used to here? "Going out to restaurants at 9 or 10 p.m."
- What’s your favorite place in Israel? "Eilat, because of the diving."