In 1991, Marina left Ukraine for Israel, wanting a new beginning. She knew leaving everything behind was difficult, but she was hoping for a better future.

"It was a fresh start, but it wasn't easy." - Marina Gilman

Israel had so many new opportunities but also many challenges. She moved in with her aunt's family. Adapting to a new language, culture, and traditions was overwhelming for Marina.

"I had to learn Hebrew quickly to be able to work and communicate. It was like starting over." - Marina Gilman

In Ukraine, religion and traditions were suppressed, and having a Jewish identity meant you were a target of discrimination. In Israel, for the first time, she felt connected to her cultural roots, embracing her Jewish identity, without any discrimination. She learned Hebrew songs, was a part of different Jewish holidays, and discovered traditions that she never knew about during her childhood. 

"It was a completely different world. I started to feel connected to something bigger." - Marina Gilman

Though she was connected with her cultural roots, her life still had lots of struggles. Dreaming of completing her studies in music college, but due to not having enough money to pay for college, she put that dream aside.

"I couldn't afford to support myself and study at the same time, so I worked different jobs to make a living." - Marina Gilman

The jobs she had were tough and exhausting, but they taught her resilience and independence. Even during these hard times, she found moments of joy and built strong friendships that are still lasting.

Marina spent seven years in Israel, learning and growing every day. While in Israel she felt the pull of her mother who had already moved to the United States. Reuniting with her seemed like a dream, as getting a visa to America was almost impossible. 

"I thought it would never happen" - Marina Gilman's thoughts on getting a visa or green card.

Then, unexpectedly, her life took a turn (in a good way). She won a green card through the "lottery" program. This lucky chance changed everything. It was her opportunity to move to America, reunite with her mother, and start another whole new chapter of her life. 

For Marina Israel was a place where she discovered her strength connected with her Jewish identity, and prepared her for the future. 

"Israel taught me that even when things are hard, you keep moving forward" - Marina Gilman