As someone who has visited Israel many times, I thought I knew what to expect in regards to my new life in Israel. I pictured my new life being relatively similar to my life in Gainesville, Florida. Days filled with balancing work and other mediocre tasks which are required from every individual in order to survive. Days which pass by so fast you don’t have a chance to "stop and smell the roses", as the saying goes. However, once I settled in and began living my new life and exploring my new surroundings, even though they really weren’t that new at all, I discovered that life in Israel differs a lot from life in the United States and not only because of the language.

A life of an Israeli is also crammed with mediocre tasks and the need to survive, however, an Israeli appreciates the small things and never hesitates to take a break. The life of an Israeli is calmer, more relaxed and filled with less tension despite what we as American's picture. As an American, you expect people who live with the constant threat of war to be over stressed and over zealous, but this added threat does exactly the opposite. It allows Israeli's to prioritize and organize their life. Work is important but not as important as family and enjoying life. Israeli's have learned to balance their personal and private lives, something that most American's are still straggling to achieve.

I moved here as an American who was moving to Israel, it has been six months since then and I no longer consider myself to be an American living in Israel. I am now and Israeli-American who has learned to appreciate the small things. I enjoy my relaxing Friday's and Saturdays, which are filled around the house or with family and new friends. I enjoy the afternoon breaks and peaceful walks on the beach and most of all I enjoy my new life, which brings new surprises and lessons at every turn.

I hope that other Olim have also learned to live a relaxing life and I wish it on  

every single human being, whether they move to Israel or not.

I am including my phone number and email address in case anyone has any questions or would just like to chat and make a new friend. Feel free to call me at 054-308-8576 or email me at: Greenberg.lior@il.zim.com or pele678@aol.com

                                    Best of luck to everyone,

                                    Li-Or H.Greenberg

                                    Aliyah Completed December 2006