From Siberia to Self-Discovery: Paulina Bulgakova’s Aliyah Journey

When Paulina Bulgakova discovered her Jewish heritage at 17, she had no idea how much it would change her life. Growing up in Siberia, her connection to Judaism and Israel was nonexistent—until one conversation set her on a path of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation. Seven years after making Aliyah, Paulina’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing your identity and the courage it takes to start anew.

A Revelation That Changed Everything

For Paulina, the journey to Israel began with an unexpected discovery. At 17, she learned her grandfather on her mother’s side was Jewish—a fact her family had never spoken about. “It was a shock,” she recalls. But that revelation sparked a curiosity about her roots and led her to Atikvah, a Jewish center in Novosibirsk.

There, Paulina began learning about Jewish traditions and connecting with a community she never knew she had. Her experiences culminated in a trip to Israel through Taglit-Birthright. “I felt at home immediately,” Paulina says. “Even before I returned to Russia, I knew I wanted to make Aliyah.”

Taking the Leap: Why Aliyah Was the Right Choice

In 2017, at just 23 years old, Paulina took a leap of faith and moved to Israel. For her, the decision was simple. “I told myself, ‘What’s the worst that can happen? If it doesn’t work out, I can always go back.’” But deep down, Paulina knew there was no going back.

Israel represented opportunity and freedom—both things she felt were missing in her life in Russia. As a young artist, Paulina saw Israel not just as a place to live but as a space where she could explore her creativity and define her identity on her own terms.

Challenges of Starting Over

Paulina’s journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Learning Hebrew was a steep climb, and adapting to Israeli culture came with its own surprises. “In Russia, people are distant. Here, people hug you even if they’ve just met you,” she jokes. But these cultural differences taught her resilience and helped her grow.

One of the hardest parts? Building deep connections. While she made acquaintances quickly, forming lasting friendships took time. “It’s easy to meet people here, but harder to create those deep bonds,” Paulina explains. Despite this, she’s proud of the relationships she’s built and the life she’s created.

Redefining Herself as an Artist

Paulina’s Aliyah journey wasn’t just about finding a home—it was about rediscovering who she was. Moving to Israel pushed her out of her comfort zone and gave her the space to explore her passions. Today, she’s an independent artist specializing in 3D art and architectural visualizations, working with clients around the world.

Israel’s vibrant art scene has also inspired her. While she mostly works independently, Paulina dreams of collaborating with local artists and becoming more involved in Israel’s creative community. “There’s so much talent here. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me,” she says.

What Paulina Wants You to Know About Aliyah

For anyone considering Aliyah, Paulina’s advice is simple: Take the leap. “You don’t have to have everything figured out,” she says. “Sometimes, you just have to jump and trust that you’ll figure it out along the way.”

Looking back, Paulina says making Aliyah was the best decision of her life. “It’s not just about moving to a new country. It’s about growing as a person, learning what you’re capable of, and finding a sense of freedom you didn’t know was possible.”

Listen to Paulina’s Story on Aliyah Chronicles

Paulina’s journey is one of courage, self-discovery, and transformation. Want to hear more about her experiences? Tune in to her episode on Aliyah Chronicles to learn how she overcame challenges, found her artistic voice, and built a life she loves in Israel. Listen now!

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Every week, Aliyah Chronicles brings you personal stories from people who’ve made the bold decision to move to Israel. From cultural challenges to personal triumphs, these stories are a window into the vibrant tapestry of life in Israel. Explore more episodes here.