September 4, 2008 /  4 Elul 5768

Tamar Moshiashvili's life revolved around her successful career as a teacher and translator.  When a bomb fell in front of her house one month ago, all of that changed. Organized by the Jewish Agency for Israel, her rescue from Georgia during the Russian-Georgian conflict a little over a month ago, propelled her into a new life, and gave her a new set of opportunities.  She lost almost everything during the war, and left so much behind; now Tamar is counting on her ambition and determination to succeed in the country she calls home, Israel.

Georgia was blossoming, and Tamar was on vacation when the war began.  But when the bombs began falling, Tamar received a call from the Jewish Agency recommending that she contact the Israeli Embassy, and register for the flight that would carry her and her family to Israel.  Tamar had been to Israel before in 2003, as part of the Taglit Birthright program. And while she had contemplated aliyah back then, her professional successes kept her in Georgia. 

Now that circumstances have brought Tamar to Israel, she believes it is her duty to speak out against violence and the innocent casualties of war. She hopes to encourage the next generation of leaders to promote peace and pursue non-aggressive forms of conflict resolution.

Today Tamar is living at the Calanit Absorption Center in Ashkelon.  She expresses gratitude to the Jewish Agency, Absorption Center director, Alizka Yarden and for all the gracious efforts to help her and her family.