Dan will be a regular contributor to Israel Seen sharing his personal experiences coming home to Israel as an American Jew with all the Joys and frustrations of making the Jewish Nation his new home. His life experience both in the business world and as a ceramic artist gives him a unique perspective that is both fascinating and educational. Dan resides in Yafo-Tel Aviv area.
Dan Goldschmidt is 76 years young and made Aliyah on September 14th from Columbia, Missouri, USA. As far as is known he is the first person to ever make Aliyah from Columbia, Missouri and most probably from Wichita, Kansas due to the minuscule Jewish population of both cities . Dan is the founder of Mid Missourians for Israel which hosted speakers in the area. Goldschmidt has had three careers. He founded and operated high quality men’s clothing stores in Wichita which still exist after 42 years. Dan was a commercial realtor operating in Kansas and Missouri,after selling his clothing operation to his former partner. Eight years ago he started to learn ceramics, served as apprentice, and eventually opened his own studio, which supplied local Missouri gift shops. He was active in Congregation Beth Shalom in Columbia, Missouri and founded their men’s club, has been an active Rotarian for many years, and was highly involved with National Association of Clothing Retailers. He currently lives in Yaffo, Israel is a studio functional potter, and a realtor specializing in apartment rental. Dan will be relating his experiences and impressions of Israel on a regular basis.
Why would anyone at 76 immigrate to Israel without family or close friends living there ?
Because, I truly believe that Israel is not only the place that a Jew can be most at home, but that Israel is strong technologically, defense wise, and democratically. More significantly it represents the opportunity to lead our world into a improved age of peace and living standards. Consequently I desire to take and active part in this development, which represents a very meaningful fulfillment of my life..
What investigation did I conduct prior to deciding to make Aliyah and to arrive at this conviction?
I visited Israel twice before deciding to immigrate. My first trip was twenty years ago wen I toured extensively for three weeks. My impression was that Israel had a very strong dedicated spirit, was very religious, and historical but had not yet taken it’s place in the modern world as a leader. My second visit was in March and April of this year and I not only found the spirit and devotion to still exist but a nation only 62 years old that leads the world in technological development, architectural design, medical discovery, agricultural expertise, and is strong defensively. During my visit this year I toured in depth most all of Israel and was thrilled and impressed at every turn. The new audio visual museums told the exciting history of a strong people building and defending a modern nation. The strong devotion to a Jewish life was still evident but there was much more. I toured the Galilee and discovered enormous reservoirs that shipped much needed water south to the Negev. Outstanding modern shopping malls with the most current fashions, and the highest quality merchandise from all corners of the globe. Twenty years ago Israel needed the U.S to defend it’s right to exist. This year I stood on the beach during Israel Independence Day and watched pass before my eyes destroyers, bombers, fighter planes, attack helicopters, and submarines, representing the most advanced defense force. While in Israel earlier this year I volunteered three weeks with SarEl for the Israel Defense Force I witnessed the spirit and devotion of young Israeli’s fresh from their high school graduation and representing every ethnic, social, and background all cooperating in the defense of this great country. I participated in the profound observance of Memorial Day and Yom Shoah when a siren is sounded thru out the nation and all traffic stops, and people stand at attention for a few minutes wherever they may be or whatever they are doing. I visited the Negev desert which occupies two thirds of the land of Israel . While there I visited one of the many communities constructed out of this desolate former waste land. Yael Kibbutz is a modern oasis forned from the arid desert by dedicated strong settlers. It has dairy production from 500 cows, grows bell peppers which are shipped to Europe, and green onions, and palmettos for domestic consumption. Just one of the many productive settlements that are making the desert bloom and be productive. While visiting Israel I crossed the Jordanian border to visit the Biblical sites of Nebo, Moab, Edom, and Petra an discovered heavy commercial traffic between one of the two Mideast nations that has chosen to make peace with Israel. In a visit to Haifa not only a modern city but the major port of Israel headquarters for the Bahai faith and a city where whether Christian, Bahai, or Jewish all people work together which is a example of what cooperation could mean to this area. In Jerusalem while I was there for Passover I witnessed the devotion of the people whether in the old or new city. As I traveled thru Israel I witnessed many young students on field trips being given a love fo the land. Wherever thee were parents and children together one could feel the strength and love within the family. This even extended to the pets who are treasured and can even ride on the bus with their masters. One has the feeling that there is so much love and principles in the Israeli community.
Upon returning to the U.S. In May I attempted to to adjust to the midwest Missouri life with such a small Jewish population and many assimilated non affiliated Jews in the community, but I could not get Israel and the feeling of being part of this modern Jewish nation out of my mind. Therefore I made application to Nefesh Be’Nefesh, the Israel organization that promoted U.S. Canadian, and English Aliyah in association with the Jewish Agency. I had previously met with Nefesh Be’Nefesh in Jerusalem since I was so enthralled with my experience and had started to consider Aliyah. Application is very convenient being available on their very complete web site MBN.com. I found the process and both organizations very informative and helpful. They also host a wonderful series of webinars that help immensely guide and answer any questions one might have. Every Jew is welcome in Israel as long as you have a Jewish mother., and you can hold dual citizenship including social security benefits deposited directly into a Israeli bank account. After being approved for Aliyah which is rather routine Nefesh Be’Nefesh arranged a free flight for me on El Al and I arrived in Israel on September 14th. Upon arriving in Israel I was cordially greeted by a volunteer with Nefesh Be’Nefesh who had a card with my name welcoming me home.and assisted me in my meeting with the Israel Absorption representative at the airport. I had come home to the only Jewish state in the world and was anxious to take my place as a Oley Chadash or a new immigrant, and citizen of the State of Israel.
A most important question for me had been answered. Why would I not wish to take my place in Israel by making Aliyah?
Dan’s next column will cover his first experiences as a new immigrant and the administrative process of beginning his new life in Israel.
