How do I feel here?
Is this my home?
How do I connect and communicate?
Am I a part of this society?
Do I want to be?
Can I finally say that I grew new roots?
All these questions arise as I sit and talk to people who decided on their free will to move to a new country.
Routine and daily struggle often push aside such philosophical questions. We tend to measure our adaptation in terms of personal achievements, family and work. Personal relationships and children are the strongest possible bond. But are there other layers of connection?
Meeting and talking with my fellow immigrants and finally photographing each one in the places they chose, also helped me to understand myself better. Yes, I suppose we all have planted new roots, whether we recognise it or not. It may take time and attitude or perspective to understand.
My deepest appreciation to all those who agreed to participate in this work: Arnon, Aviv, Ayelet, Nir, Ofer, Shimon, Shoshana, Tali, Yaron and Zeev. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Uzi Varon
Helsinki, November 2007