Coming Home as a Retiree

In honor of Israel’s 70th year, we asked our alumni in Israel to share their aliyah story. Read Barbara (Lehrer) Freedman (’68) story below. Click here to return to the whole page of olim who submitted responses.

What year did you make aliyah and how old were you?

2012 at the age of 60

Did your experience in high school influence your decision to make aliyah and if so, how?

When I was at ICJA I was involved with Bnei Akiva. This was almost natural part of school life. The strong Hebrew and Judaic studies program also connected me to Israel. We dedicated our year book to the victory of the six day war.

What was your path to aliyah like?

The learning and volunteering opportunities are amazing and very rewarding. Life is meaningful every day.

What do you do professionally?

Teach English as a second language.

What is your advice for our students today?