Dialogue with potential Olim - Marilyn & Alan Langford

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(a recent exchange with new olim)

Dear Telfed

M&A: Firstly, you have all been as helpful as you can, given your expertise in the Aliyah program. 

T: Hope we can continue to assist with any questions you might have. 

M&A:You are so much younger than we are. 

T: Not necessarily, we have had Olim making aliya over the age of 80 and 90, most of whom have settled very nicely.

M&A: You can not imagine how we feel. 

T: Yes we can, almost each and every Israeli made aliya at one stage or another and if they didn't their parents did.

M&A: You do not see that this is our last move. 

T: You will be coming Home not making your last move.

M&A: We are 65+ years of age.  

T: Please G-d to 120 in good health.  Now it's your time to enjoy your family, friends and to reap Nachat from all those that surround you.

M&A: We want to be near our family. 

T: Wise choice, it is always good to be near family but it is always good to have your own space.

M&A:  We want to be to be independant.   

T: Independence is good, but being able to ask for assistance when you did it is not an embarrassment - it's an honour for those who want to help.

M&A: We want to make new friends. 

T: Very easily done in Israel.  Israelis want to be friends.  Telfed also has 18 local communities who will be only too pleased to welcome you, befriend you and guide you in your first steps in Israel.

M&A: We want to to be involved in the community. 

T: Good there are plenty of organizations looking for volunteers, including Telfed.

M&A: We are not wealthy. 

T: Wealth is something that can be measured in many different ways,  if you are healthy, have good family relationships and strong ties with your friends – then you are wealthy. We hope that you will develop this true wealth in Israel.

M&A: We are scared, excited, optimistic,terrified,hopeful. 

T: Everyone is scared of the unknown. It is hope, optimism and excitement that help to ensure a successful Aliyah.

M&A: We know that there are no guarantees;

T: We can guarantee to assist you as much as we can.

M&A: Will Israel be our new home?   

T: It is already the home for 5.3 million Jews – now it can be your home too.

M&A: Watch this space!!

T: Israel has a very special space for you

M&A: We can`t be the only people that feel this way.

T: You're right – you are in the same boat with 3 million Olim, which include 23,000 Southern Africans.

M&A: We hope you will publish this in the Telfed newsletter and see if it gets a

response.

T: done - and its on our facebook page too. See Facebook.com/Telfed

M&A: With Kind Regards: Marilyn & Alan Langford

T: Best of luck - regards Susan Sharon and Dorron Kline: Telfed Klita staff