back to the promised land...
What is Aliyah?
Aliyah is the Hebrew name for the return of Jewish people from all other nations of the world (Diaspora) to the land of Israel in the Middle East. Specifically it means the 'ascent to Jerusalem' referring to the traditional pilgrimages of ancient Israelis going up to Jerusalem and the Temple to worship. Since the Zionist movement began in the 19th century many hundreds of thousands have returned to the ancient land of Israel fulfilling many Bible prophecies.
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And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. (Isaiah 11:11-12)
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"making aliyah" by moving to the Land of Israel is one of the most basic tenets of Zionism, Zion being the synonym for Jerusalem and even of Israel itself. The movement of Jewish people to the land was not without political controversy and trouble and many died in their efforts to reach Jerusalem. Through the first and second world wars many Jews escaped the persecution and genocide and antisemitic laws of Europe in 5 waves of Aliyah. During and after the second world war secret agents and volunteers tried to help Jews escape to Israel - the Aliyah Bet.
It wasn't until 1948 when the State of Israel was established and recognised by most nations, that making Aliyah to Israel became easier and the 'Law of Return' opened the door for any Jew to live in Israel if they could legally leave their nation of origin.
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Fulfilling prophecy
The re-establishing of an ancient nation and their language has rarely happened in history on such a scale. It is especially significant to those who have faith in God through the Jewish Messiah Jesus Christ. Prophecy from the Scriptures like that above are coming true in our day and it could mean that Jesus will return soon!
Aliyah the game is designed to bring some understanding of the aspects of the Aliyah experience its operations and challenges plus information about Zionism and the Biblical prophecies.
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When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. (Psalm 126:1-3)
the game
Basis of the Game
Immigrants (Olim) returned to the promised land because of persecution or economic pressure upon their Jewish communities all over the world. Jewish Agencies like Mossad that were developed often worked secretly to arrange transport of these refugees to Mandatory Palestine and after 1948 to the State of Israel. Operations and the 'Law of Return' still sees thousands return even today.
This 4 player board game reflects the covert process carried out by Mossad, Irgun, Batar and Shabak (Shin Bet) agencies over the most crucial periods of Aliyah Bet and beyond.
In the game you become a secret agent of one of these 4 agencies to help the persecuted Olim Jews return from the diaspora regions of the world back to Israel and Jerusalem. Using codes and collecting special Zion Stones your mission is to complete as many operations (OPs) as possible before time runs out and the game ends. During play you discover how many thousands came from different nations and many useful and interesting facts about the Aliyah and the Zionism that motivated it.
