From the US to the Unknown: Passports & Perspectives on My Journey Through Israel, South Africa, and Canada
I've journeyed across continents, not as a tourist, but as a citizen-in-the-making. Three times I've packed my life into suitcases, leaving behind the familiar for the allure of the unknown. Each move was driven by a unique reason, and each country has contributed to the fabric of the person I am today.
Immigration #1: Seeking Identity in Israel
Visiting neighbouring Sinai Penninsula, Egypt in 2006.
At 18, I was drawn to Israel, fueled by both adventure and ideology. My years of studying the Hebrew language had instilled in me a desire to be an active participant in its rich history and ongoing development. Eager to hone my Hebrew skills and not quite ready to transition from high school to university, I sought life experiences that would shape me. I immigrated via the Law of Return, which grants almost any Jewish individual or someone with at least one Jewish parent the right to immigrate and obtain Israeli citizenship.
During my three-year sojourn in Israel, I came to appreciate its warm social culture. The Israeli way of life, with its emphasis on values and relationships, felt refreshingly less materialistic compared to what I was accustomed to in the US.
Yet, living amidst the persistent tensions, wars, and conflicts took its toll. The unpredictability, marked by frequent strikes and the ever-present shadow of conflict, made long-term planning a challenge. Yearning for stability and a sense of control over my future, I made the difficult decision to return to the US to finish university.
Immigration #2: Love in South Africa
With my dachshunds Peanut and Bailey in Cape Town in 2016. The three of us immigrated to Canada in 2020.
My South African journey began in Cape Town at the age of 14, where I had the unique opportunity to spend a year of high school while living with a local family. I returned in 2010 to write my undergraduate honours thesis on emigration, following the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, fate took a turn, leading me into a romantic relationship with a local. Due to the discriminatory immigration laws against same-sex couples in the US back then, our best option was for me to settle with my partner in South Africa. The ensuing decade in South Africa was exhilarating, marked by monumental events such as the death of Nelson Mandela and the deep-rooted political corruption under former President Jacob Zuma, known as “state capture”. Yet, the escalating corruption and a faltering economy, particularly in contrast to booming economies in the developed world, raised alarms. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for a solid social safety net, ultimately influencing my decision to depart.
Immigration #3: Security in Canada
In November 2020 on the day I got out of my mandatory 14-day quarantine in Windsor, Canada. (Detroit skyline in background)
The pandemic, while challenging, opened a new door for me in Windsor, Ontario. Canada's allure lay in its promise of low corruption, safety, and a comprehensive safety net, including universal healthcare. The calm way of life, multicultural society, and a political climate devoid of extreme polarization have been refreshing. As I gear up to apply for Canadian citizenship, a few more days are needed to meet the residency requirement, given my extensive travels out of the country since moving here.
Conclusion
As I reflect on my journey across continents, it's evident that each decade of my life was driven by evolving needs and desires. In my teens, I was propelled by a thirst for adventure and a quest for identity. My twenties were marked by the dual pursuits of love and exploration. And now, as I navigate my thirties, I find myself yearning for a calm and stable environment. Life has a way of taking us to different places in life as our needs and desires change, and for me, this was across several continents.