Ketchup with Keren

Aliyah is a Hebrew word that means "ascent," or "going up." According to Jewish tradition, traveling to the Land of Israel is an ascent, both geographically and metaphysically. Aliyah is an important Jewish cultural concept and a fundamental component of Zionism. It is enshrined in Israel's Law of Return, which accords any Jew the legal right to assisted immigration and settlement in Israel, as well as automatic Israeli citizenship.

With the average Palestinians producing more than seven children, and Israelis numbering just three offspring, it is only a matter of time before Jews in Israel are the minority. Thus there has been an enormous public promotion of Aliyah. Indeed the Immigration Officer that cross questioned me at the Jordanian border suggest i might be interested in “repatriation”.

Keren is an American and ex-flat-mate of Dr. Gloves in Hong Kong who on the rather nasty demise of her second marriage decided to opt for Aliyah in 2001. We finally get together for the first time since 1998 in Ra’nana, a large suburb to the north of Tel Aviv.

I ask her whether she likes the experience. She certainly does not. Bamboozled by bureaucracy, forced into debt and earning a pittance as an English teacher, times are tough and she is desperate to escape. The promise of assistance has never materialised.

Her South African partner also came here on Aliyah some twenty years and feels exactly the same as Karen. Too sad.

A more detailed look at Aliyah can be found by clicking here.