Interviews with Olim

Q. Where were you born and where did you grow up?

A. I was born and grew up in Greece. I left Greece at the age of 22 (I am 65 now).

Q. At what age did you come out? And how did it go?

A. I came out to friends at the age of 17, and to the world at 26, when I moved to Germany from the US. It all went smoothly. As I was living away from my parents I only told them in my 30s, and of course, I was too old for a drama!

Q. Were you involved at all in the LGBT community back home?

A. Not in Greece. While in London in the 90s, I was involved in gay HIV/AIDS volunteer work.

Q. What is your involvement (if any) in the LGBT community in Israel?

A. Not much involvement at the moment, apart from joining the English-speakers group.

Q. How long since you made Aliyah?

A. 5 years.

Q. Did you move here on your own or with family/friends/significant other?

A. On my own.

Q. Why did you make Aliyah?

A. I have worked in a number of western countries and, as a pensioner, I was curious to try something new and a bit different. Being Jewish (secular) played a major part in my decision i.e. it gave me the possibility, and fuelled my curiosity. To my surprise, very soon I felt that this is the place for me. In contrast, diaspora Jewish communities tend to be conservative and homophobic.

Q. How is it going so far?

A. I feel at home in Tel Aviv, enjoy the vibe, can generally cope with the Israeli mentality, and was able to meet a few locals. It’s good to keep an open mind.

Q. What do you do in terms of work?

A. I don’t work, but would consider a part time job. I am a pensioner and, until covid times, my socializing and intellectual needs were to a large extend met by taking Hebrew classes.

Q. How is your Ivrit?

A. I can function in every day life and deal with simple tasks such as Maccabi appointments, but revert to English on more complex or social situations. Reading is and will always be a big challenge.

Q. What has been your biggest challenge so far?

A. Dealing with bureaucracy and the banks. 

Q. How do you perceive the Israeli LGBT community?

A. My perception of the community in Tel Aviv, is that it is well organised and the city is a welcoming and free place for gays. I do not know about the rest of the country.

Q. How is being LGBT in Israel different to back home?

A. Greece is still quite homophobic. Attitudes in Israel are more similar to those in western European countries.

Q. If you were making aliyah now, would you do anything differently?

A. I would devote more time to Hebrew classes in my first year. I am glad that I chose Tel Aviv and also that I ended up in the Florentin neighborhood.