A letter from Rivka Fanai, Bnei Menashe
Rivka Fanai (center) with her family in Ma’alot, Israel
My name is Rivka Fanai. I am 23 and I live with my mother and my cousin in Ma’alot. In 2006, when I was 17 years-old, we made aliyah from India thanks to Shavei Israel.
I wanted to start my studies in a university in Israel but, because I was too young at the time and also because of a number of family problems, I wasn’t able to. I have been working since then building electric circuits for computers and machines in a hi-tech plant called Comtel BMK. It is in the Tefen Industrial Zone, near where I live in the Galilee.
I am the only one who earns any money to support our family. Before we made aliyah, my mother was in a terrible car accident and has had surgery three times. Her situation is poor; she cannot stand up for more than a short time. My cousin was, until a year ago, a soldier in the IDF.
Two months ago, I learned about the dental assistant course at Hadassah Hospital’s dental school. I think it will be very good for me and I would very much like to study the subject and to become an expert in this profession.
But, because I am the only one to bring in money to support my family, it was very difficult to make this decision. I can only continue in this course if I receive some support from an organization like Shavei Israel. Otherwise, I will need to continue to work at BMK.
I will be very grateful for your help. Thank you very much.
Rivka Fanai