Interviews with Olim
Each month, we interview an oleh or olah for our newsletter.
We invite you to read the stories of LGBTQ+ people who have made Israel their home.
"It's home, everyone you meet feels like family"
Interview date: June 2021
Q. Where were you born and where did you grow up?
A. I was born and grew up in Johannesburg, South-Africa.
Q. At what age did you come out? And how did it go?
A. I came out to my grandparents at the age of 14.
Q. Were you involved at all in the LGBT community back home?
A. No, I wasn’t much involved in the LGBT community.
Q. What is your involvement (if any) in the LGBT community in Israel?
A. I haven’t had the chance yet due to Covid-19, but I’m looking forward to be part of the community here in Israel.
Q. How long since you made Aliyah?
A. My partner and I will be celebrating our 2 year Aliyah-versary in July.
Q. Did you move here on your own or with family/friends/significant other?
A. I moved here with my partner.
Q. Why did you make Aliyah?
A. I came to Israel on holiday and knew this is where I would like to spend the rest of my life. It’s home, everyone you meet feels like family.
Q. How is it going so far?
A. I have a job and three beautiful kitties: Lavan, Matazah and Shadow. I have had two successful eye surgeries.
Q. What do you do in terms of work?
A. I am an office cleaner. I make sure people’s offices look good for the next day or for meetings.
Q. How is your Ivrit?
A. I would say I understand more than I did before. I can understand most words. I would like to improve more but slowly slowly I will get there.
Q. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
A. Overcoming the language barrier has been the biggest challenge. However Be’er Sheva is a amazing supportive community.
Q. How do you perceive the Israeli LGBT community?
A. Due to Covid-19 I haven’t much experience the LGBT community. I can’t wait for Pride in June.
Q. How is being LGBT in Israel different to back home?
A. In South Africa, the legal problems are less than in Israel. For example, we can get married and adopt a child. So I hope in the future Israel will allow the LGBT Community to get married and start a family.
Q. If you were making aliyah now, would you do anything differently?
A. I wouldn’t do anything differently. I would still choose Be’er Sheva as my hometown.
Binyamin
Our Newsletter
Sign up if you would like to receive a monthly email listing events of interest to LGBT English-speakers in Israel, an interview with an oleh/olah and other useful information.
Want to be interviewed?
Complete the form below and we will get back to you.
Our Newsletter
Sign up if you would like to receive a monthly email listing events of interest to LGBT English-speakers in Israel, an interview with an oleh/olah and other useful information.
Want to be interviewed?
Complete the form below and we will get back to you.
