Page 22 - Issue 33

HDNA bogeret Emma

Pasternack reflects on her

past five years in Israel

Five years ago, I made aliyah. I cannot even believe I am
typing out that sentence. When I think of my time in Israel,
my aliyah journey, only one word comes to mind - love. I
think back to the beginning of my journey, and I realize that
it all began ten years ago when I participated in a gap year
program in Israel with Habonim Dror. It was then that for
the first time I fell in love with Zionism and Israel. Years
later, I still fall in love everyday with this place; love that is
true and challenging. A love that demands of me to be
more, to grow, to learn new things, and most of all to love
myself and my people.

In five years, I never once regretted my decision to make
aliyah. Even with all the homesickness, all the struggles, all
the long days in the heat, I never once thought of going
back. There
truly is
something in
the air here,
something
beyond words
and reason.
When the sun
goes down on
Carmiel, and I
am in my living
room with my