I was born and raised in a religious Israeli settlement in the west bank called Immanuel…. If you look on the map, it’s near Nablus
At some point, like many of my friends did, I moved to an ultra orthodox Yeshiva in the city of Bnei Brak. It is concidered a standart phase for those who want to deepen their religious belief – we call it ‘getting stronger’.
When I arrived to the marriage age i knew i have to look outside the Ultra orthodox’s community to find me a life partner. In the ultra orthodox world it’s all about classes and blood line. I wasn’t born to an ultra orthodox family and in their eyes, I wasn’t religious enough for their daughters.
I like the religious world, there is always someone to tell you what to do. sometimes at the Yeshiva it was a bit to much. People can easily turn you into a robot.
I left. I tried to be a Braslev for a while (Jewish Hasidik)…. but it wasn’t for me.
I live in Rishon. Married. A 2 and half little girls.
I’m a taxi driver part of the day, bus driver the other part.
I’m at least 15 hours behind the wheel every day.
Still religious.. Kipa Srouga (embroidered yamaka.. call me a freelance.
–Arie, 36, RISHON LeZion
