Meet Liana

“Help me get to any city in Germany!” Liana asked the day she arrived from Mariupol two months ago.

Liana was orphaned at 7 years old and lived all her life alone. After all she’s been through, she felt life in Germany will be easier for her than in Israel.

I tried to convince her otherwise but to no avail.

So I began searching for a city willing to accept her.

While here waiting, she began attending synagogue.

After her first Shabbos with us, she told me how much she enjoyed the lively dancing.

The following week she lit Shabbos candles for the very first time.

She joined our woman’s classes and other community programs.

The other day she asked to speak with me.

“You know, I’ve been thinking about Germany. I realized that I can’t just go to any city in Germany.” she said.

“I need a city with a rabbi and community like yours. I want to continue attending synagogue and become an active member of the community.”

Yesterday, after a month long search, I finally received the call I was waiting for.

“A room in the Jewish hotel for refugees in Frankfurt has freed up, Liana must arrive within a few days.”

This morning we finally sent her off with our driver and another mother and son who were by us.

And in less than 24 hours she will be greeted by her new family, another Jewish community like ours who will take care of her and make her feel at home.