“My Israeli Story”, a project by the JEWISHcolorado’s Israel & Overseas Center, offers our community a chance to connect with and learn about the diverse stories of our emissaries. Each feature will spotlight a different shinshin and their family’s unique journey.
My mother’s parents, Varda (Susan) and Shlomo (Salomon), grew up in Morocco, where life was peaceful. They both went to the same school, called “Alliance,” and loved celebrating traditions like Mimouna at the end of Passover. Their parents decided to leave Morocco and move to Israel because they were religious and always dreamed of living in Jerusalem. The whole family traveled together, first to France and then by ship to Israel.
When they arrived, they settled in Afula, where they were given simple accommodations. The first years were tough as they had to learn a new language, adjust to a different culture, and leave behind everything they knew. Salomon joined a kibbutz, which was very different from his life in Morocco. Over time, they became less religious, started speaking Hebrew instead of French, and even changed their names – Susan became Varda, and Salomon became Shlomo. Despite the challenges, Varda and Shlomo built a new life in Israel while keeping parts of their Moroccan heritage alive. Their story is about courage, change, and holding on to traditions while starting fresh.
Omri’s grandparents, Varda and Shlomo
Omri’s grandmother, Varda
My father’s father, Eliezer, was born and raised in Tel Aviv. His parents had immigrated to Israel from Yemen, looking for a better life and a place where they could live more closely connected to their faith. Growing up in Tel Aviv, Eliezer was surrounded by a mix of modern Israeli life and the traditions his parents brought from Yemen. Later, Eliezer moved to Jerusalem to attend college, where he met my grandmother. They fell in love, got married, and decided to make Jerusalem their home. They’ve lived there ever since, building a life together while staying connected to their roots and values.
Omri’s grandfather, Eliezer
Omri’s grandparents, Eliezer and Elian, on their wedding day
My father’s mother, Elian, grew up in Morocco, where she loved her Jewish traditions and dreamed of living in Israel. Her connection to Judaism and her faith inspired her to leave Morocco at the age of 15 and start a new life in the Jewish homeland. Elian went to a boarding school to study, which helped her adjust to the changes and prepare for her future in Israel. This was a big step in her life, as she left behind the familiar to follow her dreams.
Throughout my upbringing, I heard a lot about my grandparents’ stories—of their lives in Morocco, their journey to Israel, and how they adjusted to their new home. We still celebrate many of the Moroccan traditions, like Mimouna and eating rice on Passover, just as they did. Now that I live in the U.S., I view my family’s story in a new way. Like them, I am adapting to a new place while carrying my heritage with me. And just like them, I am proud of where I come from.