Portuguese Israeli Advocate Gives Vibrant Perspective

Hannah Eyal, a Portuguese-born Israeli psychologist who made Aliyah in 2013, continues to speak triumphantly about the Jewish state’s existential fight for survival. As she had not known of her Jewish roots for many years, her life was changed after a trip to India when she met Israelis for the first time, including her soon-to-be husband.

Hannah Eyal’s story is a deeply personal one that exhibits the deeply flavored fabric within Israel. A practicing Jew and Mom in Harish, a city in the Haifa District, her deep sense of purpose through lectures nationwide and abroad is the perfect educational antidote to combat Jewish bigotry worldwide.

I caught up with Hannah Eyal, a wonderful Israeli advocate, in this timely and engaging interview.

Jared Feldschreiber: Describe your backstory and why you made Aliyah from Portugal. 

Hannah Eyal: I was born and raised in Porto, Portugal, to a family with no exposure to Jewish culture or heritage. After completing my master’s degree in psychology, I developed a deep interest in yoga and meditation, which led me to Nepal and India. It was there that I first encountered Israelis, including my future husband, Shay.

Upon returning to Portugal, my Jewish journey began as my mother reminded me of a childhood gift she had received. It was a necklace with a Star of David pendant. This prompted a search for answers regarding my family’s connection to Judaism and Portugal’s Jewish heritage. I ultimately made Aliyah to Israel [where] I embraced my Jewish identity and proudly became an Israeli and a Zionist.

JF: What are some misconceptions of Portugal’s history in correlation to Judaism?

H. Eyal: A significant misconception is that many Portuguese Jews, like me, are descendants of those who were forced to hide their Jewish identity for centuries. Unlike Spain, Portugal did not expel the Jews. Instead, they were forced to convert to Christianity while being prohibited from practicing Judaism openly. This secrecy led to the loss of outward Jewish practices over generations. But the core of our Jewish identity—our mitzvot and our will to survive– was preserved in hidden forms [by] generation after generation.

JF: When did you make Aliyah, and where did you move to?

H. Eyal: I made Aliyah in 2013 and settled in Haifa.

JF: What were some of the specific adjustments you had to make? 

H. Eyal: Initially, the language barrier was a challenge, but I’m fluent now in Hebrew. [This] often surprises [many] Israelis when they realize that I’m not a native speaker.

For the last five years, I’ve lived in Harish, which is a rapidly developing city designed with families in mind. It offers green parks, playgrounds, and a diverse, harmonious community. I like to refer to it as a “microcosm of Israel.”

While my city is in [close] proximity to Arab villages [like Umm al Fahm] and Jenin, which raise some security concerns, I believe that after [the multipronged Hamas terror assault on] Oct. 7, 2023, security risks have become a nationwide issue. Our defense forces are essential more than ever in maintaining safety across the country.

JF: Where do you feel most ‘at home?’

H. Eyal: Though I wasn’t raised Jewish, once I discovered my Jewish roots, Israel has felt like my home. Coming from Portugal, which is one of the world’s most peaceful countries, choosing to move to Israel amidst its ongoing security threats might seem unconventional.

JF: What you’re saying is that Israel gives you a greater sense of purpose? Living in the Jewish state has ultimately become a manifestation of what your antecedents wanted from you? 

H. Eyal: I discovered the result [put forth by] a chain of grandmothers who did everything to keep Judaism alive by living it in secret. They literally risked their lives for it. Because they did it, I am here. I was about to be the one who’d let it all go and not teach my children about it, but Judaism proved to be stronger.

As a child, I was afraid to point to the stars because it could reveal Shabbat Jewish practices. Now, as a Jewish Israeli mother, I count the stars every week with my daughters before Havdalah, and I point to the stars of the Israeli sky. It is such a profound transformation.

JF: Describe the 500-plus days since the heinous terror assault of Oct. 7, 2023, and its aftermath, which has seen the Israel Defense Forces fight in a 7-front war. What has been your role?

H. Eyal: We’re sending our sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and spouses to protect us all. The Israeli Defense Forces represent all of us in this existential struggle. I find strength in this shared commitment, and my role as a mother has been shaped by an awareness that every Israeli is part of this collective fight. 

JF: Describe the genesis, themes and affiliations of your lecture programs worldwide. 

H. Eyal: I began lecturing at schools to share my story as part of enrichment programs related to the Spanish expulsion and the Inquisition. Over time, I realized that my personal story was a powerful tool to connect people with the broader Jewish narrative. As invitations for my speaking engagements increased, I saw that my mission was to remind Jews of our deep and shared identity. 

After hundreds of lectures in Israel and abroad, I feel my work continues to serve that purpose and is now even more relevant than ever. 

JF: In connection to the last point, your Facebook biography characterizes you as a speaker, activist, and spokesperson. Please elucidate how these monikers specifically apply to you.

H. Eyal: As a speaker, I engage audiences through personal storytelling, and I help them reconnect with their Jewish identity. I naturally became an advocate for Israel and the Jewish people, particularly since Operation Protective Edge in 2014. I recognized then the need to speak out against rising anti-Semitism, which was often dismissed as a fringe issue.

After Oct. 7, 2023, my advocacy became more urgent. I served as a spokeswoman for the first-ever Israel advocacy initiative in Portugal, where I focused on mainstream media, especially the crisis surrounding our hostages. Since returning to Israel, I continue my advocacy work mainly on Facebook.

JF: What do you want to impart to the Jewish diaspora about moral clarity and truth in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, terror assault and rampant anti-Semitism? 

H. Eyal: We are living through an existential war, and the trauma is palpable, especially as our hostages remain in captivity. At this moment, I believe that every individual must find their own way to show up for our people. Unity is our greatest strength, and I make it a point to promote that unity in every interaction.

I strive to make my voice heard, whether through social media or personal encounters. If one post of mine encourages someone to support Israel, I feel I made it. 

Am Yisrael Chai! Always will. 

Even after hundreds of years of evil, our light shines brighter.