Jerusalem from Kidron Valley
There are many biblical references to people going "up to Jerusalem.". Of course. It sits upon three mountains, Mt Zion, Mount Moriah and the Mount of Olives. But for many Jerusalem also symbolizes a spiritual climb to a higher place.
The last time I was in Israel with my brother Dave and a group we were touring with, we were Bet She'an, a spectacular archeological site. Dave and our guide Amatzia started a conversation with another guide who had a group there also. She seemed so nice and outgoing. As she further introduced herself to Dave and I, she indicated that she and her husband had made "their Aliyah" a number of years before. I was not familiar with the term at that time and thought she was talking about having a baby. Her eyes lit up when she talked about "making their Aliyah" Dave explained to me Aliyah was the Hebrew expression for the process of Jews returning to their homeland of Israel to live. I realized then how much that meant to her.
In Hebrew, Aliyah translates to "ascent" or "going up". Over time I have gained a new appreciation for what that means for Jews. Not only coming home but ascending to their historical homeland and being part of the fulfillment of prophesy. Many come from diverse circumstances and many make great sacrifice to start their lives anew in a new home. Even more remarkable are those that leave a comfortable life in other countries to make Aliyah, just so they can serve in the IDF. What a sacred sacrifice.
I came across this short video highlighting the work of one of the groups that assist those, who in Hebrew are referred to as Olim, making Aliyah and the joy it brings.
