The Best Decision I’ve Ever Made

Making aliyah has been a lifelong dream, and arriving here alone, with my family still in Toronto, felt both nerve-wracking and surreal. Yet, despite the challenges, I felt a profound calling to be here and contribute to a nation in need. Looking back now, I can wholeheartedly say that this decision has been the best one I’ve ever made.

This past year in Israel has tested the nation in ways few could have imagined. With escalating security threats and divisive internal debates, it often felt as though the country was being pulled in every direction. Watching from afar was heartbreaking, and as I prepared to make Aliyah, friends and family frequently asked, “Why now?” But something within me felt a calling to be here, to stand alongside Israel in its darkest hour and become part of its story—not as a distant observer, but as an active participant in its future.

This week, I’m starting my Master’s degree in Government with a specialization in Counter Terrorism and Intelligence. I’m incredibly fortunate to be studying under some of Israel’s most profound voices in the field—experts who have not only shaped policy but have dedicated their lives to understanding and defending this beautiful country.

Entering this field, especially during such a turbulent time, feels deeply meaningful. I’m not just learning theories or studying history; I’m engaging with real-world issues that Israel confronts every day. To be able to contribute, even in a small way, to Israel’s resilience and future fills me with pride and purpose.

People in Israel have an uncanny way of embracing olim chadashim (new immigrants). Here, I quickly became part of a community that is always ready to lend a hand, share a meal, or simply sit together in silence when words aren’t enough. It’s an incredible feeling to know that even in the absence of my family, I am not alone.

The resilience and unity of the Israeli people, especially in times of crisis, are beyond inspiring. People don’t just live here; they actively shape their society, showing up for one another in ways that continually deepen my love and admiration for this land. Through these moments, I’ve learned that community here is not just a word—it’s a way of life. People here embrace each other as family, bound by a shared history and the collective hope for a secure future.

Living in a country where I no longer have to look over my shoulder or hide my identity for safety has brought me a profound sense of peace. After facing numerous challenges with antisemitism this year—being stalked, completing my degree virtually, being targeted, and even experiencing physical assault—being in Israel means I’m not a minority but part of a collective journey. It’s a shared dream that generations before me sacrificed to achieve. Here, I can live openly and proudly as part of something far greater than myself.

Moving to Israel in the aftermath of its most challenging year may seem unconventional, even risky, but I came here not because it was easy, but because it felt like the right thing to do. Now, as I embark on the next steps in my educational career and life journey, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. I’m not only studying Israel’s security challenges; I’m also preparing to play a role in addressing them.

When people ask me if I regret coming here alone, my answer is a firm “No”. I came to Israel at a time when it needed strength, and I’ve found that strength in myself and the people around me. This journey has reaffirmed my commitment to this land and its future. The road ahead is not without challenges, but I am here, I am home, and I know that every step of this journey has led me to where I am meant to be. And even in Israel’s hardest year, I feel grateful, grounded, and deeply proud to be part of this incredible, resilient community.