A wave of excitement runs through you as you make your decision.
For years, you have said Hashanah haba'ah Birushalym,
Next year
in Jerusalem, at the Pesach seder; even during the war when it was
impossible to have a seder, you still whispered those words to
yourself. Now, the dream is coming true. For 2,000 years Jews have
wanted to return to Eretz Yisrael, and you, you of all people, are
going to fulfill the dream. You can hardly control yourself, knowing
that there will be delays and problems, but that you will ultimately
stand facing the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
You make your way to the little town of Fiuggi, along the
eastern coast of Italy, where the Jewish Brigade has established a
center. It is called Merkaz Lagolah,
Center for the Diaspora, but
in reality, it is a center to prepare people to go to the Promised Land
from the Diaspora.
Because you are young and strong, you are selected to attempt illegal immigration, to run through the British blockade on a ship called the Fede. This illegal immigration, or Aliyah Bet as it is called, is considered vital if a Jewish state is to survive. Since everyone is convinced that the Arabs will attack as soon as independence is declared, you will be needed to protect the new country.
Finally, you stand in front of the holy Western Wall, the remaining section of the great Temple in Jerusalem. You approach the ancient stones and whisper a prayer of thanksgiving to God for having brought you through the Holocaust, allowing you to reach this holy place.
END