Many of the Jews that The Fellowship has helped make aliyah in the past two months have left homes they knew for years, only to arrive in Israel just as war broke out. Yet families and elderly individuals do not regret their decision. While the transition is never easy, they remain because moving to Israel was less about comfort than belonging – even in times of crisis.
When 84-year-old Rosa faced Iranian missile strikes soon after her arrival, she discovered that her sense of belonging gave her strength.
Rosa made aliyah from Argentina in February with the help of The Fellowship. She and her husband grew up in Jewish settlements established to resettle Jews fleeing persecution in Russia. This led to significant Jewish immigration to Argentina—communities that still exist today.
Rosa’s daughter, Sandra, shared: “My sister, who lived in Argentina, had passed away earlier,” she explained. “My brother lives in Canada, and we are here in Israel, so my mother was left all alone in Buenos Aires. We made aliyah in 2002, and our lives are here, so it made sense for her to join us. She has always loved Israel and admired the resilience and bravery of Israelis. And of course, she is devoted to her family, so she was happy to come.”
The Fellowship not only assisted Rosa with the aliyah process but also provided financial support. At 84, Rosa has medical needs and uses a walker. Unfortunately, war was one of the first things she experienced upon arriving in Israel. Sandra’s building does not have a bomb shelter, so they must use a neighbor’s. It was a relief when the Home Front Command inspected the apartment and determined that a closet could serve as a safe space. It is not ideal, but it means Rosa does not have to move as much.
Despite the anxiety, Sandra says her mother shows tremendous courage. She hopes that when the war ends, Rosa will finally have time to settle in.
“She grew up hearing stories about people trying to murder Jews in Europe. Today, we are facing formidable enemies like Iran and its allies, but the difference is that now we have a country of our own and an army that protects us. She understands and values that—because this is not the world in which her parents grew up.”
