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Australian lawyer makes aliyah just before October 7, quits job to launch babywear brand

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Miriam Agranat, a 33-year-old Australian lawyer, made aliyah to Israel just before October 7, had her third child, and launched a babywear brand during the recent conflict.
  • Raised in a Zionist home, Agranat pursued law and worked in corporate law and venture capital before feeling something was missing in her life in Australia.
  • She and her husband moved to Modi'in, Israel, in August 2023, finding a welcoming community and pursuing her entrepreneurial dream after working for a children's charity during the war.

Miriam Agranat, a 33-year-old Australian lawyer, fulfilled her long-held dream of making aliyah to Israel just before the October 7th events. After arriving, she welcomed her third child and, during the recent conflict, decided to leave her NGO job to launch her own babywear brand.

I’m an Australian lawyer who made aliyah just before October 7, had my third baby here, then quit my NGO job during the war with Iran to launch a babywear brand.

— Miriam AgranatIntroducing herself and her recent life changes.

Agranat grew up in a strongly Zionist household in Sydney, attended Zionist schools, and was active in the Bnei Akiva youth movement. A high school trip to Israel left a profound impact, making her return to Australia difficult. She pursued a law degree at Macquarie University and worked at a corporate law firm before shifting to venture capital after her first child.

Life in Australia is beautiful and comfortable, but it was missing something.

— Miriam AgranatExplaining her motivation for moving to Israel.

Despite a comfortable life in Australia, Agranat felt something was missing. She and her husband, Ori, decided to move to Israel with their two young children. They chose Modi'in after a pilot trip, appreciating its central location and diverse Anglo community, comprising Americans, British, Australians, and South Africans. Her move was also influenced by her parents and younger sister, who had already made aliyah and settled in Modi'in.

It has turned out to be the best thing. It’s quite Anglo, with a mix of Americans, British, Australians, and South Africans, and we’ve been welcomed with open arms.

— Miriam AgranatDescribing her experience settling in Modi'in.

Arriving in August 2023, Agranat initially took a position as donor relations manager for Orr Shalom, a national organization supporting at-risk children and youth. While she found the work meaningful, a year later, during maternity leave after her third child's birth, she felt ready to pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations. She describes the move as one of the best decisions they ever made, highlighting the strong friendships and sense of community they have found.

Everyone says, ‘Oh my gosh, what bad timing!’ But it was one of the best decisions we ever made.

— Miriam AgranatReflecting on the timing of her move to Israel.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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