Why Should I Make Aliyah to Israel and Why Is It So Rigid?

Two great questions. Successful Aliyah involves a balance of two things: ideology and pragmatism. Life is a challenge, and Aliyah is an even bigger one. Some people are lucky and things go easy for them, while others need to strategize and prepare. In my opinion, the bigger the challenge, the greater the satisfaction when you succeed.

The Ideological Appeal of Aliyah

You should make Aliyah because you have an ideological attraction to Zionism. It is crucial that when things get tough, those who lack an ideological connection become dejected and sometimes even give up. This evening is the eve of Yom Hazikaron Memorial Day, the day we appreciate those who gave their lives heroically, saving lives of others, and ensuring our country’s survival. Tomorrow, Yom Haatzmaut Independence Day begins. It's the time of the year when we are most ideologically minded about Israel. It's really overwhelmingly amazing what we managed to do here. Think about how our world has changed; it didn't just happen; we made it happen. We had the ideology, and then we went and did it. How cool is that?

Israel is a great place to fulfill your potential and contribute towards the future of the Jewish People.

Personal Reasons for Aliyah

Every Jew that makes Aliyah has their own reasons. If you are asking why you should make Aliyah, then you don't seem to have any reasons. In that case, you really shouldn't.

Challenges of Making Aliyah

In years gone by, it was somewhat difficult getting used to a new language, a new culture, and a new country. Nowadays, it's much easier; there are many NGOs whose express raison d'etre is to smooth the way for new immigrants, and they do a good job.

The major issue is finding a job or profession, but people do get it done. Israel is a vibrant, vital country, and Jerusalem is the center of the world.

Difficulty of Aliyah

It can feel difficult because you are moving to a new language and probably a new culture. However, it is only difficult for the first 6 to 10 years. The key, like in any monumental change, is persistence and a belief that you will succeed.

Why Should You Consider Aliyah?

In my opinion, you should consider Aliyah if you cannot stand anti-Semitism, whether it is directed at you or not. Israel is not a comfortable place to live, but it will give you the one thing that it was meant to give: you will not have to deal with anti-Semites on your daily life. You will only encounter them through the media, for example, in Quora.

It is difficult to make Aliyah because Israel is a young country facing many challenges. It does not have a clear policy over who it wants and who it does not. Its governmental agencies, what right-wingers call 'the bureaucracy,' are not as capable as those of some richer countries with longer histories. However, as they say, 'when there's a will, there's a way.'