Lost in translation, found in love: Ariana Phillips’s path to marriage in Israel

This story, as reported by The Jerusalem Post, highlights a deeply personal journey of connection and belonging. Ariana Phillips's path from a secular upbringing in Maryland to making aliyah in Israel is a testament to the enduring allure of Jewish heritage and the vibrant community life found through organizations like Chabad and Hillel.

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I wasn’t raised with much involvement in Judaism. I didn’t go to synagogue. I didn’t go to Jewish day school.

The narrative emphasizes the proactive steps Phillips took, from using language apps to connect with her future partner, Roy Cohen, to meticulously compiling evidence of her Jewish roots. The challenge she faced with the Interior Ministry underscores the complexities of proving Jewish identity for immigration purposes in Israel, a process that can be both bureaucratic and emotionally taxing.

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When I saw how my sister was involved in the different activities that she was doing with them and the trip to Israel that she took, I started to get involved as well.

What makes this story particularly resonant from an Israeli perspective is the affirmation of Israel as a place of return and rediscovery for Jews worldwide. Phillips's determination to navigate legal hurdles to solidify her place in Israel speaks to a powerful desire for connection to the land and its people. It's a modern iteration of the Zionist dream, facilitated by technology and personal initiative, ultimately leading to love and a new life.

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At first, they didn’t want to give me a work visa because they thought that my father had converted my mother to Christianity after their marriage. I had to prove to them that I was Jewish and that I was raised Jewish.