Russian-born Katy Gordon made Aliyah from Germany at age 17 aspires to attain a management position in the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, with a focus on Israel’s relations with German-speaking countries. Her path was not without struggles. When Katy Gordon failed a college course, she didn’t cry or get stressed. Instead, she immediately began implementing the lessons she learned through two Jewish Agency programs: Na’ale and wings.
Na’ale: The World’s Jewish High School allows parents in Jewish communities abroad to register their 10th-grade children for three years of tuition-free Israeli high school, leading to an Israeli matriculation diploma. Participants may choose to make Aliyah upon graduation.
“Na’ale gave me tools for independent living,” Katy says. “I learned in a practical way that if I do not take responsibility for myself, no one will do it for me. It’s okay to ask for help, but the task is in your hands.”
Katy had the option to return to Germany after Na’ale but remained in Israel “because I fell in love with the country.” In 2011, she was recruited to the IDF Intelligence Corps and served on the northern border. As a lone soldier — the term for Israeli soldiers who do not have immediate family members living in Israel — she once again received crucial support from Jewish Agency through Wings: Services and Continuing Support for Lone Soldiers.
Wings offers a comprehensive counseling and guidance for lone soldiers, ensuring that they are connected to all the services and benefits to which they are entitled. Services for hundreds of these lone soldiers each year include providing an environment in which they can make friends, adjust to life in Israel, career-advancing skills, and counsel to help make important life choices in preparation for “the day after discharge”.
“In both of those programs as well as in the army, I learned that life is all about networking. Suddenly, I had all these friends from different places, and that is the framework I needed to succeed.” says Katy, 27.
After completing her army service, Katy completed her bachelor’s degree in hotel management and tourism at Ben-Gurion University, then began pursuing her master’s in public administration at Sami Shamoon College of Engineering. There had been moments when Katy struggled while taking her university courses, but the support network she acquired through The Jewish Agency’s programs played a significant role in keeping her determined to achieve her dreams and complete her studies.
“My experiences continue to help me understand that when we experience difficulties, the solutions are often healing with your best friends and remaining focused on the path to self-realization. Your support network literally gives you the ‘wings’ you need to succeed,” Katy says.
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This story was orignially written by Nathan Roi for The Jewish Agency for Israel
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