Well, this is a bit embarrassing.
You see, today is a very special anniversary. Forty years ago, I arrived in Israel and, although I wasn’t quite sure at the time, I ended up staying. I also got married and raised three children.
That part isn’t embarrassing at all. I’m very proud of it. The embarrassing part is this: I’m not there. Just for a few days, I’m away on another trip – one that’s also special. I’ll blog about it on my return.
Moving to Israel was definitely the right choice for me. I left a country where I never really fitted in – a fact that had been reinforced many times during my childhood. I came to a country where I felt accepted. And in the process, I learned to be proficient in another language.
It wasn’t all easy, but I crossed the bridge and remained on the other bank (except for short breaks).
I think such a momentous date deserves a competition. So I’m going to give away a signed copy of my romance, Neither Here Nor There. In the novel, set mostly in Jerusalem, the main character, who has just left the closed community in which she was brought up, meets a recent immigrant from England. Let me know, in the comments below, why you think you deserve to win it. You can be truthful or humorous. I’ll choose the commenter I think is the most deserving. The competition will end when I decide it’s time, so don’t dilly-dally! I’ll contact the winner privately and also announce the result on this blog.
Forty years! The Children of Israel wandered for forty years before arriving here (there). I came in five hours and was happy to stay put.
13 replies on “Forty Years and a Competition”
I’m not entering the giveaway because as you know, I already have your marvellous book. I just wanted to say, Congratulations on forty years! How marvellous!
Thank you, Cathy 🙂
Congratulations! I love the certainty in your post.
Thanks. With so much uncertainty, it’s a comfort to be certain about some things.
I know this feeling – nicely expressed.
Thank you, David 🙂
Finding that place where you belong can be a lifelong journey in and of itself. I’m glad you were able to settle into your place of belonging a little early on.
I’m sure there are readers far more deserving than myself to win your book. So whoever you choose, may they enjoy reading your words with eager anticipation.
We shall see…
Gosh forty years can,t wait to read your book here’s to the next forty!
Thanks, but… the next forty? I doubt it!
It’s definitely time I read your book. As an immigrant who feels the same way as you, I am sure it makes an interesting read. Congratulations on 40 years!
Thank you, Lisa. You’re in the virtual hat 🙂
Love this… Love Israel.. Love ur pic of crossing over .. Please check out my blog:)