Tuesday, March 18, 2008

40 years

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"God said to Abram, 'Lech lecha, go away from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you . . . and I will bless you . . . .' "
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In March 1968 I did, I left America behind and made aliyah, the spiritual ascent up to Israel.
On today's date, March 18, the good ship Enotria sailed into Haifa port, just as the sun was rising over Mount Carmel.
I disembarked, kissed the ground, and embarked on a new life.
I had never been to Israel except in my dreams, knew no one, had little money.
Fresh out of college, a 22-year-old idealist coming into an idealistic 19 year old country. Population just two million.
We both had a lot of growing up to do.

The photo shows my teudat zehut, my identity card.
We have been together forty years.
Citizen of the State of Israel--this indeed is my identity.
This is the promised blessing. Thank you, God, for showing me the way home.
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8 comments:

  1. Absolutely incredible and absolutely courageous!

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  2. Hi Musings,
    You mean Abraham? Yes, he was brave--when called, he got up and went without even knowing where to!

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  3. Mazel Tov! And Blessings for many long and good years to come.

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  4. I meant you, Dina!!! You have always been courageous, kind and moral, standing by your convictions.

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  5. Aww, Kay, you're going to dash all what's left of my humbleness.

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  6. 2 million in 1968? My how you've grown!

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  7. Dina, you were brave! Great story.

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  8. This post is almost ten years old! I just wanted to say wow, you are older than Israel!

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