Stav Waknine
Stav made Aliyah six years ago, and studies Communications and Political Science at Bar-Ilan University. She takes care of children and participates in Israel media awareness efforts during the war
Stav Waknine is originally from Riverdale, NY, and made Aliyah with her mother and sister 6 years ago. Stav is entering her third and final year of study for her BA, majoring in Communications and Political Science. She works as a nanny, and has transferred to full time since October 7th. “It was tough at the beginning, because I had to keep them entertained at home the whole day,” says Stav. “Now that they’re back at school I’m there with them so I can bring them home if they need to go. It’s tough being around children, as they don’t know what’s going on and you have to keep them happy, distracted and not involved.
“I love Israel and although there’s a war I’m not going to flee the country. I experienced antisemitism abroad, and I feel safer in Israel. I like walking down the street at night and feeling safe; here everyone understands you and you don’t have to explain why you’re bringing matzoh to school. People are very straightforward, but they care. I look forward to continuing my life here after the war and building my career.
“A friend from the US wanted to know what side I’m on, which I thought was a joke at first. Then I understood that she wanted me to educate her about the situation. Young people sometimes see one post and automatically believe it, so I try to explain what Israel does and how things really are.
My boyfriend is in military reserve duty, so I get to see him once a week for 24 hours. We speak every day, but sometimes when messages don’t deliver, I worry. My father lives in Netivot and he’s been donating pizzas to the solders. My mom is a teacher, and two of her students from previous years were killed at the front, so I’m supporting her.
I was looking forward to completing my degree and moving on, but now things are on hold. My lifestyle has changed, even Tel Aviv is completely different, and uncertainty causes anxiety. I’m looking forward to things going back to normal, spending time with my boyfriend, and having the children go back to their routine. I hope that when the war is over, we can show the world our resilience as a country, that nothing can take us down.
Lifeline Fund for Students at the Front
5,000 of Bar-Ilan University’s students are serving in the Iron Swords war. Bar-Ilan has set up a student lifeline fund for financial aid, and now we need your donations so we can keep supporting them and securing their future. They need our support to physically and mentally be focused on the battle – and we have their back!
Support our students at the front!