Yordim; Leaving the Promised Land for the Land of Promise

Kensington, MD: Woodbine House, 1986. First Edition. First Printing. Hardcover. Very good/Good. Margaret Finch (Jacket illustration). [10], 366 pages. DJ has some wear and soiling. Inscribed by the author on the fep. Meaningful inscription that reads in part to ',,,my JFAS colleague who understands firsthand the pain, pleasure,a and privilege of living with one foot in two worlds." This is the author's first novel; in it, he examines the phenomenon of Jews leaving Israel to live in the United States. In 1986, American-born and former Israeli author Micha Lev wrote a novel entitled "YORDIM". Yordim (singular Yored) means one Israeli who has left Israel to settle in another country. In the early years of the State, those Israelis who chose to emigrate elsewhere were called Yordim. It was a badge of shame. Families were divided. The potential yored was ostracized from his neighbors, many family members, those with whom he worked. He was considered a disgrace and a traitor to the moledet. Over the years, with increasing emigration from Israel, times have changed.