The aliyah that took a century shows what olim can bring to Israel - opinion

Dr. Norman Goldwasser, a clinical psychologist from Miami Beach, made aliyah after October 7, 2023, using his trauma expertise to help Israelis. His journey completes a century-long family story of interrupted aliyot, from his grandfather's death in 1920 to his parents' blocked immigration. The article, published for Shabbat Aliyah, highlights what olim contribute to Israel.

Dr. Norman Goldwasser, a clinical psychologist who recently left Miami Beach for Israel, made aliyah after October 7, 2023. His journey completes a century-long family story of interrupted aliyot. In 1919, his grandfather left Galicia for the Holy Land but died of malaria in 1920. His parents, Holocaust survivors, were blocked by British restrictions and went to the United States. After October 7, Norman was staying near Jerusalem when a missile was intercepted above his hotel. He used his EMDR expertise to help a woman who had survived the 2001 Sbarro bombing and a young woman too frightened to leave for the airport. He returned six times to volunteer and made aliyah earlier this year. The article, published for Shabbat Aliyah, argues that olim bring experience, knowledge, and a desire to contribute, not just needs.