Though Gadi and Elie have been living for the past 7 months in a small apartment at the Arad Absorption Center, they are still optimistic and full of plans for the future - learning Hebrew they continue to dream in Spanish

After seven months, Edgardo (called Gadi) and Eliana (called Elie) Leff are still haunted by the sounds and emotions of that second week In July 2001. Throughout that week, they took leave of their family and friends in Buenos Aires, in the South American tradition of a meal composed entirely of meat and long conversations into the wee hours of the night. In an atmosphere of mixed emotions, optimism for a new life in Israel and the sadness of parting and the many uncertainties that lie ahead, they were steadfast in their decision to make Aliyah. Step by small step, they had prepared for the transition. They studied Hebrew at the local ulpan, sold their furniture, stored memories of books and albums, and packed the most basic articles and their cherished cd's as spiritual nourishment for a new life in Israel. The laptop that facilitates communication with the world was purchased in Israel.

Now they are here. Living for the past seven months in a small apartment at the Absorption Center in Arad, they continue to draw strength from their rich cultural Argentinean heritage and continue to be optimistic and full of hope for the future. Learning Hebrew, Spanish remains the language of their dreams.

In their mid 20's, Gadi and Elie were born in Buenos Aires to Jewish parents. Elie, an art teacher went to a local school and tells of her family's weak connection to Judaism. She first became familiar with Jewish traditions and the fact that she is Jewish at family holiday gatherings and through her stepfather who was originally from Israel. Gadi, a puppet theater operator and a truck driver, is the son of Zionist intellectuals. He went to a Jewish school for six years. His grandfather was the first Hebrew teacher in southern Argentina and his father, knowledgeable in five languages worked as a translator in an academic publishing company. His father also has his own column in the local Jewish newspaper in Buenos Aires. During the Junta terror regime, his father fled with his family to a small town in northern Argentina. In their home, Gadi's parents attributed great value to the State of Israel and spoke of Israel as the historical and spiritual homeland of the Jewish People. They read many books about Israel, attended Shabbat and holiday prayers at the synagogue and were strongly affiliated to the local Jewish community.

Gadi attests that from a very early age his Jewish identity was very strong. Twice he had tried to make Aliyah, both attempts thwarted by his family who feared the consequences of sending their son alone to Israel.

Gadi and Elie met at the Buenos Aires "Cafe Theater" and were married in a modest wedding ceremony six months later. Gadi's mother prepared the wedding dinner of gefilte fish and other traditional dishes herself. Early on in their married life, Gadi and Elie began to think of Aliyah. The corrupt regime deteriorated the economic situation to a point where people were barely able to make ends meet. Educational opportunities were open to the few who had the financial means, growing violence in the streets threatened personal safety and the despair and lack of hope were being translated to anti-Semitism and hate of strangers. Gadi and Elie quote Bertolt Brecht in describing the essence of life in Argentina "at first they killed the Jews - but I didn't really care because I am not Jewish. Then they killed communists … it is now my turn - and no one seems to care".

Unable to escape the vicious circle the couple began to check their options more intensively. Accessing all information sources, they spent hours on the Internet, met the JAFI Shaliach several times and spoke to family members from Israel. The final decision was made after a conversation with Mayor Bezalel Tabib and the Director of the Yafit Absoprtion Center in Arad, Avishai Fitel who were on a short term mission in Argentina.

Arad was a perfect fit. They speak of it as an "island within an island". Both were fed up with the life style dictated by the big city, they were looking for small quite place and Arad, perched on a mountain top surrounded by the desert, seemed to be tailored perfectly to their inner rhythm. An ideal place to raise ones children, in relative safety, a place to learn and grow. The Hotel Management School, located in the Absorption Center, was a fine opportunity for Gadi's aspirations to become a chef.

At the Absorption Center, their apartment is a meeting place for many new immigrants originating from diverse communities. Notwithstanding cultural differences, new immigrants from Argentina and the FSU are united by their life experience in dictatorships.

Their daily routine of studies and social encounters is disrupted by news of the deteriorating situation in Argentina and their hearts are constantly filled with fear for family and friends as is the case with all Argentinean born veteran Israelis and new comers. The communication room opened by the Jewish Agency has made it easier for the olim to keep in touch with their family, instilling hope that soon they can be reunited with their loved ones.

Iyar 5762 - May 2002