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EMISSARY FROM LA: "JUDAISM IS COMPLETE FOR ME ONLY WHEN I AM IN ISRAEL"
 Tamar and Ronen, Amitim emissaries in Durban, South Africa "I really came to try and make a difference," says Tamar Solomin from Los Angeles, who for the past seven months has served as an Amitim emissary to Durban. Amitim is a program run through the Jewish Agency through which an American and an Israeli share their knowledge of Judaism and Israel with another Diaspora Jewish community. "In Los Angeles, I had a distinct feeling that something was missing, that life was somehow less meaningful," continues Tamar. "I decided to come and work here, as I thought I would be happy, having the opportunity to be actively involved in Jewish education. However, as I look back at the past seven months here, I realize that Judaism is only complete for me when I am living in Israel. I realize that Israel is where my heart really is and where I really need to live. I came here because I feel that my perspective as another Diaspora Jew is both" unique and valuable for this community. I needed to come as I had been searching for something . . . some confirmation for myself as to whether to make aliyah. After much thought and soul-searching I have come to the conclusion that, although Jewish life is comfortable in South Africa, my place was in Israel. Shuls here are easy to find, kosher food is plentiful, and youth movements are active; however, something major is still missing. There is a place greater than any; more holy than any, with more meaning than any other, and that is what I seek. This is why I will be going home to Israel."
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