Aliyah

In the Russia of those days, even the smallest act considered subversive could send a person to forced labor in Siberia for years. Hijacking a Soviet plane was tantamount to suicide! But these Jewish activists had decided their life in exile was devoid of meaning. Their mission would either succeed or fail, but it would make noise around the world.

The first secular aliyah, the Bilu'im, was entirely supported by donations. Six out of the first seven colonies were funded by Baron Rothschild. Gedera was rejected by him due to its roots in nihilism, and financially could not stand alone.

In an era of tribal unrest, Bedouin leader Daher el-Omar sought to develop the land and welcomed Jewish settlers known for their deep connection to Israel.

Once a thriving Jewish community with 300-400 families in Jerusalem faced heavy taxes and persecution, making expansion difficult. Despite this, dedicated efforts by Jerusalem's Jewish residents attracted scholars and fueled a renaissance in nearby Safed during a time of relative peace.

Rabbi Yitzchak Dayan of Geneva discusses assimilation in Europe, with a focus on the Jewish community in Geneva.

Ella Vorobzov grew up in the Soviet Union, where for years she and her family were considered 'refuseniks' and were not allowed to emigrate. However, at the age of eight, the unimaginable happened and she moved to Israel. In an intriguing conversation, she shares memories from those days, and also why she's chosen to move back to Russia now.