Click Here to Visit Keren Hayesod
In 1988, my family found ourselves seeking refuge in Sudan after enduring a grueling journey that lasted six weeks. Upon arrival, we spent ten months in a refugee camp, where we faced numerous challenges as we tried to adapt to our unfamiliar surroundings. Tragically, my father became a victim of the oppressive Sudanese regime, enduring imprisonment and torture during our time in the camp. It was a harrowing experience that tested our resilience and spirit, but our salvation came in the form of the American-Israeli operation, which rescued us from our plight and offered us a pathway to Israel.
The journey to Israel by plane marked a new chapter in our lives, yet it was not without its difficulties. Cultural disparities, language barriers, and the struggle to meet our basic needs, such as access to books for studying and food, added to our challenges. Overcoming these obstacles seemed insurmountable at times, but amidst the turmoil, I made a pivotal decision to pursue a career in medicine. The only viable option available to me was to enroll in the TDM academic program offered by the army, a decision that would shape my future and open new doors of opportunity.
Throughout my academic journey, I had the privilege of visiting numerous schools in Israel, many of which had a high concentration of Ethiopian students like myself. Engaging in conversations with my peers allowed me to gain valuable insights into the struggles and aspirations of the Ethiopian community in Israel. It was disheartening to hear a pervasive belief among these students that their Ethiopian heritage stood as a barrier to their success. Witnessing their self-doubt stirred a deep sense of sadness within me, underscoring the immense impact of societal perceptions on one’s sense of self-worth and ambition.
The thought of a child being robbed of the ability to dream, to envision a brighter future for themselves, struck a chord deep within me. It was a sentiment that moved me to tears, for I believed that every child deserved the freedom to dream and aspire to greatness. Providing these young minds with the necessary support, both academically and emotionally, became a driving force in my mission to empower and uplift my fellow Ethiopian students. Their hesitancy to dream inspired in me a fervent passion to ignite a sense of hope and possibility within their hearts.
The transformative power of education, mentorship, and community support became even more evident as I witnessed the impact of encouragement and guidance on these Ethiopian students. By embodying a symbol of resilience and determination, I sought to inspire them to dream beyond their perceived limitations and strive for excellence. The realization that our shared experiences as Ethiopian students could serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for others marked a turning point in my journey. As I stood alongside my peers, I became a beacon of hope, illuminating a path toward realizing dreams and turning aspirations into reality.
