Leaving Long Island for new homes in Israel

They’ve come from across North America, young men and women on their own to meet destiny and be part of the ingathering of a people who continue to rebuild a land long desolate and abandoned, now growing and thriving.

Among 338 olim on this week’s Nefesh B’Nefesh flight from New York to Tel Aviv were 108 young men and women who will enter Israel’s army soon after their arrival.

The Jewish Star spoke with four Long Islanders about their new commitment.

Ben Zlicha, 18, of Wantagh, who went to public schools and sport camps, wants to join the Israeli navy.

“I was always thinking about it since eighth grade,” said Zlicha, whose parents are from Bnei Brak. “I couldn’t see myself [just] going to college, I knew I wanted to do something more meaningful.” He said he is “proud to be Jewish” and “proud to be part of something great.”

Gal Wand, 18, of Great Neck, often visited family in Israel (her parents are from Israel) and attended non-religious Jewish-oriented camps. She will be based on Kibbutz Kinneret (Israel’s folksinger Naomi Shemer’s kibbutz) where a Garin Tzabar [lone solder integration] program is located.

 “I felt it was something I should do right after high school — I can always go to university after the army,” she said.

“Tzahal will help me figure out what to do with my life. I think it will help me grow as an individual.”

Israel is strong but “needs help” and it’s “important to contribute,” Wand said. “There is only one Israel and more than 22 Moslem countries. There is only one place where the Jewish people can be guaranteed a safe place to live when not being attacked.”