Israeli Students Find Refuge in America

 Amelia Gonzales, staff writer

For so many Americans, it is almost impossible to imagine what life would be like not knowing what will happen to everyone you love tomorrow.

The ongoing crisis in Israel has been an overwhelming factor in the day-to-day decisions of the thousands of civilians there. It is somewhat difficult for many to focus on the lives that are being affected with the overwhelming focus on politics and failed compromises with other countries.

Since the discovery of America, “the new world”, millions have been able to make the journey to this land of freedom and opportunity, where millions more dream about what it would be like to set foot on American soil.

A company based out of Israel has been able to provide assistance to some of its citizens to travel to America, providing them with work, housing and transportation. 

Adi Galver, Corinne Halyet, Orin Hjela, Osi Hjela, Addas Jengir, Osset Marler, are all citizens from Israel that have come to find opportunity in America. Before their voyage began in October of 2005, only Orin and Osi knew each other. The others met once they were placed together as roommates and co-workers.

“Israel is a very small country, so although everyone is from different areas of Israel, we all know a lot of the same people,” Galver says.

At the age of 16, each citizen is put through a screening and a status check. Each is required to join the army as soon as they reach age 18. It is a requirement that leaves them with no choice as to what branch of military service they will be in or what type of work that they will be doing. Through a series of tests, including a question-and-answer battery, they are placed in different jobs that will be held during service.

Each person is required to do a minimum of two to three years of service, sometimes more, depending on what branch of service they are chosen for.

“Many people from Israel see this as a bad thing,” Galver says. “We see it as a right of passage or a coming of age. When you’re a soldier, you are treated like royalty and given gifts and special discounts.”

With the numerous bombings and threats that Israel has been enduring, it is hard to live what many call a normal life. The young Israelis prefer not to speak about hardships that their country is facing. They also find it offensive when people speak about rival countries.

Each of them calls home each time there are new reports about bombings, wondering and hoping that no one that they know was hurt or even killed.

“The bombings come like thunderstorm do to Americans,” says Orin Hjela. “They are normal, and all we can do is hope for the best.”

The citizens of Israel begin to learn the English language by the third grade. They are taught American customs, views, traditions, and expectations. Many Israelis learn firsthand different tasks, such as how to drive on American highways. They learn road signs, road rules, and even study maps for traveling. Although Israel is their home, they find that there are more opportunities in America.

For a considerable number of Israelis that never get the chance to leave the country, they find work in a place called a Kibbutz. A Kibbutz is a communal agricultural settlement in Israel. It is ran collectively and dedicated to the principle that production work and domestic work are of equal value.

The “members” of the kibbutz are known as kibbutzniks. All property on the kibbutz is owned communally, and all income generated is shared by the kibbutz. Some kibbutzes also have factories that produce anything from plastics to sprinkler parts. Meals are prepared in a communal kitchen and eaten in a communal dining room. Work mainly consists of unskilled labor.

“The kibbutz is a home a way from home,” says Orin Hjela. “It’s a type of safe haven that the worries are somewhat of a faint concern.”

Still, the young visitors all agree that being able to escape the turmoil in their own country has been a true blessing. The group said their goodbyes to one another in late January, Thouth they all will remain in America for an indefinite amount of time.

Orin and Ossi Hjela will go work in California. Corrine Hylet will travel to South America. Addas Jengir will remain in Lubbock, and Ossit Marler will work in California. Israel will always be their home. But while they have the chance to experience something different, they will continue to learn and enjoy themselves in America.