Hey Jordan! Thanks for meeting with me. I feel like your story is so interesting and can be an inspiration to so many people. Can you start by telling me a little bit about yourself?
Yes, of course. I’m from New Zealand, from a small seaside city known for kiwifruit farms—I grew up working on one with my family. It was a lovely upbringing with my parents and younger brother. New Zealand is quiet and peaceful. I had no connection to Israel growing up. In fact, I never met a Jew until I was about 20. Ironically, the town I grew up in has suburbs called Bethlehem and Judea.
Funny coincidence! So, How did you end up meeting your Israeli husband?
I was 26 when I met Yehonatan in Israel. It’s kind of a wild story. At the time, I was working as a lawyer back home, and after a big trial I was working on settled, I suddenly found myself with no work to do. So, I decided to take a holiday. It was October—too cold for Europe—and Israel seemed like an interesting option: great weather, a lot of history, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. I booked a 10-day backpacking trip.
On the last night of my trip, I went to a Halloween party at Abraham Hostel in Tel Aviv, and that’s where we met. We danced, and the next morning, I saw him at the airport—he worked there! It was such a movie moment. He helped me through, and just before I boarded my flight, we kissed.
We stayed in touch through Instagram and calls, and our connection grew stronger. We traveled together in Vietnam, and he visited me in New Zealand, where he even planned to move. Then COVID hit, and New Zealand shut its borders. By 2021, Israel reopened, and I decided to move here on a student visa for a master’s program at Tel Aviv University. We got married at the end of 2023.
Wow, that’s such a big step! What was it like moving to Israel?
Yes, it was a big leap—I went from a long-distance relationship to living together in Yehonatan’s apartment. Thankfully, it went really well. His family was so accepting and incredibly supportive. Starting a new life here was challenging, but I wasn’t alone. Yehonatan’s family and friends were my foundation, and I started making my own friends, too. You have to be open, flexible, and זורם (easygoing) to adapt to a new place.
What were the most complex adjustments for you when settling in?
The cultural differences. In New Zealand, we’re very polite—almost British. We don’t always say what we think, while Israelis are much more direct. At first, I’d get hurt by how blunt people could be, but now I appreciate the honesty. Another challenge was the bureaucracy, especially as a non-Hebrew speaker. My Hebrew is pretty good now, but I still find it confusing at times.
How do you and Yehonatan navigate the cultural differences in your relationship?
Communication was a big adjustment. Israelis say what they think and can expect you to do the same, while New Zealanders are more reserved. I really had to challenge myself to speak up more. Family dynamics were also different. In Israel, families are very close, while in New Zealand, there’s more emphasis on independence. But I’ve come to love the closeness here. Israelis are incredibly supportive and welcoming, whether inviting you for Shabbat or just making you feel at home.
How was learning Hebrew for you?
I love Hebrew—it’s such a beautiful language. Israelis are so kind when you try to speak it. They don’t criticize you for making mistakes.
That’s interesting because a lot of our students say people respond to them in English, and it can be frustrating for them.
That does happen, but I think it’s usually because they’re trying to help. It’s not out of annoyance or judgment. Israelis are generally welcoming and patient with people trying out their Hebrew.
Looking back, was it hard to leave New Zealand and move to Israel?
At the time, people thought I was crazy—leaving a great job in one of the world’s most stable countries to move for someone I’d never lived with. But I followed my heart, which isn’t something I usually do, and I have no regrets. Yehonatan is amazing, and Tel Aviv is the best city in the world. I feel very blessed.
Any tips for cross-cultural couples?
Know that you’re not alone. There are thousands of international couples in Israel, and they’re an amazing support network. There’s even an organization that helps with bureaucracy and a Facebook group for advice and events. One practical tip from my experience—and something I’ve heard from others—is to avoid relying entirely on your partner to teach you Hebrew, especially if you’re just starting out. Learning with someone outside your relationship can save you both a lot of frustration and make the process much smoother.
Your story is so unique—no connection to Judaism or Israel, yet here you are. How do you feel about it now?
If you’d told me six years ago that I’d be living here and speaking Hebrew, I’d have thought you were insane. But this is my life now, and I love it—challenges and all. It’s never boring, and sometimes it’s pretty crazy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.