To the Jewish Agency,

I would like to thank you for the grant that the Jewish Agency awarded me for the coming year, and for the warm and encouraging words that you sent along with the grant.

There are two important components of successful absorption into Israel – one is economic, the ability to live with honor and self-respect, and the second is social, in the form of cultural and emotional support and assistance. The grant you gave me fulfills the first need, and your letter fulfills the second.

I came on aliyah to Israel before attending university in the Diaspora, and completed my national service, out of a desire to maximize the extent to which I would be absorbed into Israel.

Medical school in the Diaspora, as everywhere in the world, is long, and I worried that as I got older, I would find more and more excuses why it is too difficult for me to move to Israel.

It was therefore very important to me to come and learn in Israel, and to undergo a joint experience with Israeli youth. I am very happy about my decision and I am enjoying my studies here.

Yet, despite that, there is no denying the difficulty of being far from my family, childhood friends, and native language. I am very grateful to you for the strength that you have given me now – for the understanding that there are people who understand what new immigrants have to go through, and who are willing to open their hearts and donate their time to assist in a successful absorption.

I hope that in the future, I will be able to help others who find themselves in similar circumstances, as you helped me, both economically and emotionally.

With thanks from the heart,
E.