Michael & Erica are some of our Olim. They share their story of why they want to make Aliyah.
“We want to make Aliyah for selfish reasons and for national reasons. For both of us individually, we feel our best way to serve G-d is by living there and contributing to the state of Israel. We want to raise our children in a Jewish environment, where they have their priorities straight, and to live the most ideal life-as a Jew, surrounded by Jews, and contributing to the Jewish People in the holiest place. Also, it says in the Bible that it is a good deed to live there! It would be a huge privilege for us to live in Israel and raise our family in Israel.
It is a dream of ours…and are looking forward to building our lives there.”
How does one (let alone six) move from Brooklyn, to Florida, to Israel?
Working with Chanale and hearing her story on making Aliyah, has been a worldwind of an experience! She is a remarkable, active, busy stay at home mom that never seems to be in one place for very long. Truthfully, she is a hoot! She sings and makes videos of her life! Her deep love for Israel is infectious.
While she was sad to leave her parents, she couldn’t wait to take the next step in her and her family’s life. Their move to Israel had been carefully thought out and planned.
We shared with Chanale that we would be praying for the success of her and her family as we agreed together that it was G-d’s own will according to Jeremiah chaper 41, verse 32:
“Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land in truth with My whole heart and with My whole soul.” Jewish Publication Society Bible
Operation Exodus USA is honored and humbled to be a tiny piece of this miracle of the Exodus from the USA to Israel. Jew and Christian working side by side brings tears to our eyes. We hope our small part will demonstrate our love and commitment to the Jewish community and Israel.
Chanale writes:
“We have 4 children, 3 girls and a boy, Hadassa 10, Yaffa 8, Sarah 4 and Netanel 2.
My husband and I are a “mixed marriage.” He is a Sefardic Jew and I am of Ashkenazi ascent. I am the oldest of 7 children.
We moved from Brooklyn, where we lived for ten years, to Florida three years ago, in order escape the escalating real estate prices and cold weather. We found affordable housing in Hollywood and enrolled our children in Toras Emes, where they are receiving an excellent education. Our commitment to Judaism runs very deep, and spirituality and practical application of Jewish law are both the underlying foundation and common thread in all our undertakings here in America. We raise our children to believe that as Jews they are special, and their lives have tremendous meaning and value. Their education at school and at home reflects those beliefs. We also emphasize the importance of family and appreciate the time we spend with our grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Recently, we’ve begun to question whether our commitment to life and success here in America is a worthwhile investment considering the tumultuous nature of the recent elections and the simmering of anti-Semitism that seems to be threatening to rear its ugly head. We also have a number of aunts who are still unmarried and unfortunately, we don’t have many cousins to enjoy on our long American Sundays. Our family in Israel misses us terribly and we’ve decided that our hearts are responding to a call from our homeland, Israel. We have discussed this for hours and hours, made lists of the pros and cons and really believe that with God’s help, the next chapter of our story will take place in Israel where our children can connect with the culture, history, and holiness that is part and parcel of the land of the Jews.”
We reached out to Chanale once she settled in Israel:
She said, “We are doing very well and our family is very happy here in Israel.”
Below is a recent song that Chanale wrote, “I Am the Land”:
We have the honor of chatting with folks like Chanale every day! We are so blessed in our relationships with our Jewish friends. Since 1991 together, with over 55 nations, Ebenezer Operation Exodus International and Operation Exodus USA have assisted tens of thousands of people make Aliyah. Thankfully, and by G-d’s Grace.
Why do we assist our Jewish friends with their Aliyah? Because, we have been called by HaShem according to Isaiah chapter 49, verse 21:
“Thus saith the L-rd GOD: Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations, and set up Mine ensign to the peoples, and they shall bring thy sons in their bosom, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.” Jewish Publication Society Bible
Also, so that the world will know that the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the One True G-d.
If you are thinking of making Aliyah, ask your Jewish Agency shaliach about us or visit our website at AliyahUsa.com.
Or, if you are someone who would like to support folks like Chanale and her family to make Aliyah, feel free to click the “Donate” button.
As stated to Abram by G-d in Genesis 12:3:
“And I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse; and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.”
OEUSA had the privilege of helping Naomi & Family’s Dream to live in the Holy Land come true.
“Ever since I can remember it has been my dream to live in the Holy Land. I come from a Zionistic family with parents and grandparents who fostered love of Israel. I made my first trip when I was in high school and from thatmoment, when I prayed at the Western Wall, I knew that someday I would returnto live…..We want to be together in a place where we can live with other Jews, send our children to religious school, and worship in the land that God gave to our people. While itis a scary thing to pick up and move from the only home we’ve ever known, we believe strongly that we belong in our real Home, the Land of Israel.
We pray that the Almighty will bless us with success in this journey.”
Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem. Psalm 122:6-9 NLT
“We welcome you to watch this inspiring video featuring various Jewish people who have returned to their ancestral homeland of Israel. In this short, yet powerful clip, those from the Jewish community lovingly express their gratitude for the help that they have received from Christians all across the globe.
Although we as Christians are only carrying out what God has called us to do, it is very encouraging to hear these words of appreciation and see the success that the Jewish people have found in Israel. Now we want to thank you for being a part of this miracle through your support of Operation Exodus USA.”
I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. Jeremiah 32:41 NIV
“Yoni came to be with me in Chicago in 2012 and shortly after we were married. We talked a lot about wanting to be in Israel. I, a New Yorker, had studied at Haifa University when I was an undergraduate and directed a show there. I’d always imagined I’d return to live, but never thought it would be so many years later. Every year we have vowed to make the return and every year we have had some excuse or other to postpone. Now, finally, after 5 years of marriage, we have been blessed with the real love of our lives–our son, Shya. He has made the decision easy and clear. There is no more time to waste if he’s to grow up alongside his cousins, immersed in the culture we love, in the land we adore.
“We’re making Aliyah based upon many reasons, but if I had to state just one reason, I’d say that my wife and I have a strong feeling that it’s time. I can’t say why it’s time. I can’t even say with any certainty what it’s time for. I suppose it’s a feeling that’s based upon a combination of scripture and keen observation of world events. I’m 57, and to be honest, somehow, I’ve had this feeling inside of me all my life. There’s so much evidence from scripture that are chillingly relevant to what is happening today that anyone who is truthful with himself, simply cannot ignore. It feels as if something big is about to happen and that makes sense if one takes the time to learn about the forces at work today that are actively seeking to destroy Christianity and America, currently the largest center of Godliness in this world. We are religious Jews, but not strictly observant. Not at this time at least…We have found some likeminded Jews, but the vast majority are on the other side of the political/ideological spectrum. It’s only natural that generally speaking, these days, ideologically I am much more comfortable with believing Christians than I am with the people I grew up with.”
“Israel has always been in my heart. Since the first time that I traveled to the country, I have felt a deep connection that I did not feel with America.
Two years ago, I traveled back to Israel to study in ayeshiva in Jerusalem to learn more about my Jewish self and find myself as a Jew and an adult. I lived in New York for the past two years and something felt like it was missing and after living there I decided it was time to go back to Israel and this time make Aliyah.”
