Interviews with Olim

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

A. Well I was born in Stockholm, Sweden and at first we lived in a very Swedish suburb. Everyone knew where the Jewish family lived, kind of since we were the only one in the suburb.

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

A. To be honest I never had to come out. Never lived in a conservative home (even though my parents are Masorti [traditional]). We never grew up with stereotypes. To be honest, my parents never said anything bad about LGBTQ people during my childhood. I even remember my parents and especially my mom taking me to a Swedish dragshow when I was like 10 years old. So I can’t really answer that question since I’d never had to “come out”. I also don’t like that phrase that much. I’ve already come out once when I was born; no need to do it all again. haha.

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

A. Yes I actually was. I organized the first ever LGBT education information at the college where I studied. Also back in Sweden I was a politician and engaged in these subjects, but also to protect Jewish interests in Sweden.

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

A. Not much, but I want to be more active. Perhaps someone needs me somewhere with the experience I’ve got from Sweden and if that is the case then I’ll happily get involved. 🙂

Q. How long since you made Aliyah?

A. On 13th August. Three days after my birthday. I’ve been here for 3 years so quite a while and already soon 25.

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

A. I came here alone without family or friends. My whole family is back in Sweden. 🙂 

Q. Why did you make Aliyah?

A. I never had any plans to make Aliya, it just kind of happened when after my studies I asked myself what the hell I’ve got besides my family in Sweden? And the answer was not much. So I made Aliya and I’m happy I did. 🙂 

Q. How is it going so far?

A. So far so good. There’s times that it’s easy and times that it’s hard but that’s part of life and you’d better get used to it because life’s a bitch. 

Q. What do you do in terms of work?

A. Right now, I’m started studying Compliance and Risk Analysis and working for a marketing company. 

Q. What has been your biggest challenge so far?

A. To adapt to a life without your family and adapt to a life of the Israeli mentality but my Swedish politeness ain’t going nowhere 😉 

Q. How do you perceive the Israeli LGBT community?

A. It’s divided. It’s like people here rather categorize themselves than unite as one and fight for LGBTQ rights. 

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

A. It’s more open here. Well, if you live in Tel Aviv. Not sure that there’s a big difference, but I would say there’s better gay life quality here. And the men…..

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

A. Nothing. You should never look back and think of what you should have done differently. If I would, maybe I wouldn’t have been sitting here with you doing this interview? 😉