For many olim, aliyah is wrapped up with dreams, identity, values, and a deep sense of purpose. So when life in Israel turns out to be harder than expected, the disappointment can feel personal. If you leave, or even consider leaving, it is easy to slip into painful thoughts: Maybe I was not strong enough. Maybe I was not committed enough. Or, worse, I failed! But that is simply not true. If your aliyah does not work out right now, that does not make you a failure, and it certainly does not make you a failed Zionist. It makes you a person who took a brave step, tested a dream in real life, and had the honesty to recognize what was and was not sustainable. Aliyah is not a pass/fail exam.  It is a major life transition involving language, work, finances, housing, family, community, and mental resilience. Sometimes the timing is right and things click into place. Sometimes they do not. That says far more about circumstances........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)