Published: 9 May 2023
Last updated: 5 March 2024
SHAHAR BURLA asks Israelis who immigrated to Australia what drew them here and how they feel about the country they left for a new life Down Under.
Nikki Eylon, 49, born in Jerusalem, lives in Malvern East, Melbourne. She is the manager of a technology company, married with three children
Nikki was a professional swimming coach. In 1999 she hosted Russian swimming champion Alexander Popov while he was visiting Israel. “Before the Sydney Olympics in 2000, Popov invited me to come and see the Australian swim team preparing at the AIS in Canberra. It felt like a leap in time.
My husband, also a swimming coach, and I fell in love with the sports culture of Australia, and eventually, we decided to immigrate here. We were a young family. After years of intense living in Israel, we looked for a more relaxed lifestyle.
“My favourite memory of Israel is from seven years ago. I joined an Israeli start-up in its early stage. We managed to raise funds (some from Australia), and I arrived for the first time at our new office in the heart of Tel Aviv. I sat on the rooftop; it was a hot sunny day, and I felt the mesmerising vibe of an Israeli startup at its best.
“Israel is one of the world's miracles. In 75 years, it has achieved more than other countries have managed in hundreds of years. Sadly, in the last few months, the extreme right-wing has been trying to change the judicial system, threatening the democratic future of the country.”
Leanne Juter, 21, born in Ramat Hasharon, lives in Sydney's northern suburbs with her partner. Student and Hatzofim (Israeli scouts) branch coordinator
