The aliyah (immigration to Israel) process has come a long way in the past decades, with many support systems now in place to help olim (immigrants) learn Hebrew and find jobs. Fanny, who turns 83 this year, arrived in Israel from Morocco in 1963—a time when the aliyah process was less defined.
Living as a Jew in Morocco was risky during Fanny’s childhood. While she and her family lived in a Jewish neighborhood and celebrated all the holidays, they were careful to keep their voices low, and their lights dim so their Arab neighbors would not hear or notice them. Jews in Morocco faced the danger of being kidnapped and even killed. Some relocated to Israel in secret—they were taken at night and put on a ship, first to France and then to Israel. Fanny remembers traveling hidden in a covered barrel, a practice used to protect Jewish girls from the threat of kidnapping.
She and her family arrived in Israel without their clothes or belongings and had to wait three months for them to be sent from Morocco. Absorption centers had very few places to sleep and little food. Finding work in Israel was also difficult, especially for new immigrants. However, some kind people lent the family a hand.
Fanny said, “One day, I met a nurse from the health insurance company and she helped us. She came to us and checked on all the family members, and after a few days she sent us medical equipment and food.”
There weren’t yet dedicated Hebrew courses for olim, so Fanny only knew how to speak French and Arabic. After getting married and having five children, she worked in kitchens at IAF (Israeli Air Force) bases, in agriculture, and in several other jobs for as long as her body allowed.
Later, Fanny fell while getting out of a taxi after knee surgery. She finally recovered after spending time in intensive care and receiving four plates in her leg. She now uses a cane to get around. Since her surgery, she has been unable to go to the local elderly club she attends, and she struggles to reach her building’s safe room during emergencies. After suffering a stroke, her son now lives in the same building as her.
Fanny received some of The Fellowship’s first Rosh Hashanah aid earlier this month as we prepare for the High Holy Days. She plans to celebrate the Jewish New Year at home with her son.
She sends her deepest thanks: “I want to say [to Fellowship supporters] thank you, may they be healthy. Thank you for caring about us. I don’t have enough money to pay for all I need during the month. Your assistance helps me so much.”