Orly Vilnai's Eritrean Foster Son Fights for Bar Mitzvah Amid State Obstacles

Veteran Israeli journalist Orly Vilnai revealed during a panel discussion hosted by the Tzohar organization that her 14-year-old foster son, of Eritrean origin, faced significant difficulties from state institutions when trying to celebrate his upcoming Bar Mitzvah.

Vilnai shared that her son, who dreams of having an aliyah to the Torah (a Jewish honor during a synagogue service), encountered numerous refusals from Israeli institutions. Despite these challenges, he persevered, fighting "with his teeth" to achieve this milestone, partly motivated by his friends who were also undergoing the process.

The discussion, which included journalists Amit Segal and Moav Vardi, touched upon broader societal shifts in Israel. Vardi noted a trend of increased observance of Jewish rituals, suggesting it stems from a need for collective Jewish identity rather than necessarily deep religious belief. He also acknowledged a counter-movement, a potential aversion to organized religion linked to political disillusionment with the current government.

Vilnai's personal story highlighted the bureaucratic hurdles some individuals face in connecting with their Jewish heritage, even when they are deeply motivated. Ultimately, her foster son succeeded in performing the aliyah to the Torah, fulfilling his aspiration.