Interviews with Olim

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

A. I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and grew up there.

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

A. I was the tender age of 14 and quite independent already, which gave me a sense of security that not all of us were lucky to have when coming out. I was already living on my own and working and going to school.

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

A. I was, as much as time allowed. Things are different in South Africa and we have great LGBT+ support there.

Q. How long since you made Aliyah? 

A. Three years

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

A. No, I moved here alone but moved my two doggies over with me.

Q. Why did you make Aliyah? 

A. South Africa is economically very unstable. Personal safety was a big issue for me and it is becoming increasingly unsafe as a Jewish Lesbian there. I was looking for a sense of family and freedom and a more colourful life.

Q. How is it going so far? 

A. It’s been hard and lonely, but there have been many laughs. I have made some friends, but still can’t speak Hebrew as I arrived during the pandemic and that has been a huge challenge.

Q. What do you do in terms of work?

A. I am in client relationship management for an international company.

Q. How is your Ivrit?

A. It’s not – it’s so hard #coronasucks

Q. What has been your biggest challenge so far? 

A. Ulpan and Ivrit

Q. How do you perceive the Israeli LGBT community? 

A. Thanks to a few people I see it as a lifeline – tight, strong and very caring.

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

A. It’s funny, I never needed it back in South Africa. I am quite old – 53, so I was established, working, had a car and long term friendships. Now in Israel, it is a form of family and I do need it.

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

A. I would learn Hebrew without a doubt, otherwise nothing else.