Hailing from Teaneck, Yitzi Rothschild, 24, started learning at Yeshivat HaKotel in 2016 and made aliyah from within Israel in 2019, after serving as a lone soldier. He is currently studying special education and Tanach at Bar Ilan University.
Aviva: What schools and shul did you go to in Teaneck?
Yitzi: For elementary and middle school I went to YNJ, and for high school, I went to TABC. I davened at Rinat Yisrael.
Do you remember any significant Zionist education?
I grew up marching in the Celebrate Israel Parade with my schools. There was also major significance to Yom Ha’Atzmaut in my community. In TABC, we had to wear white shirts for the chag, and I remember Rabbi Adler making sure everyone had one. It’s so much better in Israel, but I remember growing up knowing it was a special day.
Can you tell me about one of your trips to Israel?
In ninth grade, I went to Israel for my cousin’s bar mitzvah. That summer, I spent time with my family, and we toured all over. It was really beautiful.
When you came to Israel for the year, did you have any intention of making aliyah?
When I first came, my plan was not to make aliyah, but I did think about serving in the army.
What motivated you to want to serve in the army and make aliyah?
I grew up in a Zionist household and went to Zionist schools, so I learned about the ideals there. One thing that influenced me was that the first time I wasn’t allowed in Israel was the summer of 2014 when Tzuk Eitan broke out. I was supposed to go on a program called Yad B’Yad in Israel and was so looking forward to the trip, but when the war broke out, it was changed to the West Coast of America. It probably wasn’t the most ideal time to go to Israel, but it made me upset to think that I couldn’t be there. It’s interesting that of the guys I went on that summer program with, seven of us were drafted into the army and four of us served together.
What did you do after your time in the army?
I joined the Hesder program at Yeshivat HaKotel and continued learning there for two more years.
What is it like to serve as a lone soldier and then to make aliyah?
I drafted with very close friends from Yeshivat HaKotel, and we have always been there for each other, both in the army and throughout our aliyah process. We were all there for each other and helped each other out. After you make aliyah, you have to go to many offices and figure everything out, and going with my friends made it so much easier.
It was a really special time because it’s one thing to serve in the Israeli army, but to become an actual citizen of Israel, you’re a real part of the country.
Was Yeshivat HaKotel helpful in your aliyah process?
Both the guys in yeshiva and the teachers were very helpful. While I was in the army, if I had any problems, they looked out for me. They also helped me figure out what to do after yeshiva. They gave me a home for many years, and I am grateful to them for that.
What did your parents think about your making aliyah?
I’m very lucky. My parents are supportive of my making my own decisions. They are always there to give me advice when I need it, but they believe that it’s my life to live. When it came time to make aliyah, they told me to go for it and were there for me in every way. I was comfortable knowing that they supported me throughout the journey.
What do you love about living in Israel?
Growing up, I heard all about Israel, and now I get to be a part of something special. Instead of hearing about it, I get to see it before my eyes.
What do you miss about living in New Jersey?
My family and friends and my mother’s cooking.
Do you have a message for a young person considering aliyah?
At first, it seems tough because you’re moving to a new country. Just be patient—it will be worth it and it’s going to be a lot of fun.
By Aviva Zacks
