In a recent conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maayan, a new Olah who has recently graduated from Bar Ilan University. With a unique background and a profound connection to her roots, she shared her inspiring journey from childhood in Australia to pursuing higher education and building a life in Israel as a Katin Chozer.
Maayan's Global Journey Was Always Rooted in Israel
At 24 years old and a mom of two, Maayan’s story begins with her birth in Israel to an Australian mother and an English father. Moving to England when she was just a year old, she later relocated to Australia, where she spent her childhood and adolescence in a small Jewish community. “I attended the local Jewish day school, was a chanicha in Bnei Akiva, and played netball and soccer for the Jewish club (Maccabi) throughout primary and high school,” she shared. Family holidays to Israel and a year-10 school trip to the country planted the seeds of connection to her birthplace.
Maayan’s parents were a significant influence on her decision to make Aliyah. “From a young age, it was clear that my parents always felt a sense of regret for leaving Israel. My dad, specifically, expressed his desire for my siblings and me to make Aliyah at the earliest opportunity,” she explained. At 18, Maayan came to Israel for her gap year, attending Midreshet Harova as part of a Bnei Akiva program. “As the year progressed, the idea of making Aliyah solidified in me, and before the year was up, I had made Aliyah,” she recalled.
Deciding against returning to Australia for university, despite already being accepted into a program there, Maayan looked for higher education in Israel. “I knew that the standard of education in Israel was very high. Additionally, I was hearing about the struggles my friends faced as Jews on campuses in Australia, such as exams set on Yom Kippur and instances of mild antisemitism,” she said.
Choosing Bar Ilan University for her studies, Maayan was drawn to the institution’s focus on religiosity and its offerings for international students. “My Hebrew wasn’t great when I first made Aliyah, so I was looking to study in English. Bar Ilan’s international school had what I was looking for,” she explained. Majoring in Political Science and Communications, she felt that studying these subjects in Israel would provide a deeper understanding of Israeli politics and culture.
Being an Olah influenced Maayan’s academic experience in unique ways. “When I interacted with Israelis, they were very intrigued by the idea that someone would move from Australia to Israel. I definitely felt the sensation of being a newbie,” she noted. Despite this, she found a balance, feeling both like a ‘proper Israeli’ and maintaining her international perspective. Financial support from the government for Olim also had a significant impact on her experience.
Maayan faced some challenges, particularly adjusting to the way university works in Israel. However, her Israeli husband was a great help in navigating language barriers and cultural differences. “Luckily for me, my husband is Israeli, so any issues I had, he could help me through,” she said. The international school at Bar Ilan also provided excellent support, with secretaries who spoke fluent English and were always ready to assist.
One of Maayan’s most memorable moments at Bar Ilan was her participation in extracurricular activities. “My main interactions with Israeli students were outside of my degree courses, in Model UN and the Bar Ilan Midrasha. These two places helped me integrate into Israeli society and feel like part of a bigger picture,” she shared.
Looking ahead, Maayan has ambitious plans for her future in Israel.
“I would like to work in the NGO sector or possibly politics. I feel that as an Olah, I can bring a new perspective, and I know that my native English will be an advantage,” she said. The connections she made at Bar Ilan, particularly with a professor who is a consultant for NGOs, have already begun to open doors for her.
Maayan encourages other Olim considering studying at Bar Ilan or other Israeli institutions to go for it. “I loved my degree and the people I met along the way. It is an incredible way to integrate into Israeli society,” she advised. Reflecting on her journey, she feels more connected to Israel and has a better understanding of the Israeli mindset, expectations, and industry.
As Maayan looks back on her journey, she feels a deep sense of fulfillment and pride in her achievements. “Making Aliyah and studying at Bar Ilan University has been a transformative experience. It has not only shaped my identity but also strengthened my connection to Israel in ways I never imagined. I’m excited to see what the future holds and to contribute to this vibrant and dynamic society.”
