My name is Natasha and I made Aliyah from London three months ago. I had dreamt about making Aliyah since completing my Gap Year programme in 2000 and finally on January 15th 2007 I stepped off the plane to begin my new life in Israel. The first few months have been hectic, getting used to Israeli society, organising all my documents and learning Ivrit in Ulpan with over 100 other Olim from all corners of the globe. Nothing made me feel happier than the day I received my Identity Card outside the Kenneset – I could now say that I was an Israeli citizen.
I have celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut in England many times and while on my year course programme, I was able to experience it for the first time in Israel. I remember it being such fun, dancing and singing in the centre of Jerusalem, watching fireworks with hundreds of Jews all celebrating the fact that they had a land to call their home. This year I am looking forward to joining in with the same celebrations, however this year not only am I going to be celebrating the fact that I am able to visit Israel, but the fact that I can actually call Israel My Home.
Natasha Matalon