Israel’s Newest Immigrants

December 26, 2007 - 3:02 PM by

Several months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting with people who had recently been in Iran. It was a fascinating conversation, and I remember feeling distinctly “reporterish” as I asked question after question about what life was like there, touching on subjects that were both serious (what is it really like to be Jewish/female in Iran – difficult) and lighter (there are, apparently, at least two sushi restaurants in Tehran).

In the months since that discussion, I’ve often found myself thinking about the Jewish community in Iran, imagining the life described by the people I’d met, and wondering about the courage required, both to remain as part of the community as well as to leave it behind. For those of us lucky enough not to have to dwell on such decisions, the choice must seem easy, but for those Jews still living under the Iranian regime, the decision is much harder.

El Al Plane.jpgOn Tuesday, Israel’s 40 newest immigrants landed in Israel, joining a community that has anywhere from 75,000 to 135,000 Persian Jews. They came from Iran via a third, unnamed country – the largest group to come from Iran since the fall of the Shah in 1979. This year alone, 200 Iranian Jews have made aliya, more than doubling the total number who came to Israel in 2006 – an impressive feat given the difficulties, the bureaucracy and the secrecy that must be involved in such an operation. According to an article on the Haaretz website, “the immigrants, from Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan, each received a $10,000 grant from international Jewish organizations.

Relatives screamed in delight and threw candy at the newcomers as they emerged into the airport reception hall after a long bureaucratic procedure. Two brothers, Yosef and Michael, said they were glad to be in Israel. They declined to give their family name in order to protect relatives.”

Welcome to Israel, my Persian friends. “Chetori! Halet hubeh?”

Read the rest of it here.

Tags: • Category: A New Reality, General, Immigrant Moments, Life, Politics, Travel 

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One Comment on Israel’s Newest Immigrants

  1. Israpundit » Blog Archive » Kosher Highlights: Jeb Bush, Adult Stem Cells, And Adam Sandler Bringing Israel To The Big Screen? on Fri, Dec 28th 2007 11:08 PM

    2. [...] It looks like 40 Persian Jews decided to exit their Iranian homeland and enter the Holy Land thanks to some generous donors. Speaking of donations, it looks as if Jewish Agency For Israel will receive $15 million annually (for three years) while a few comedians are holding a benefit tour in Israel. [...]

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