Love in Every Language: Celebrating Mixed Neshamot Connections
- mixedneshamot
- Feb 6
- 6 min read
February is the month of love, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing the beautiful stories that brought our Mixed Neshamot community to life? This month, we’ll be highlighting the inspiring love stories of our members—starting with the founders who turned their personal journeys into a shared mission of connection, support, and empowerment.
Through these stories, we’ll explore the unique challenges and joys of building relationships across cultures, languages, and borders. Love knows no boundaries, and neither do we!
Love in Every Language: Ana’s Journey to Israel
Beginning with Ana, the first Neshama founder to arrive in Israel, Ana says:
"Seven years ago, while finishing my master’s program at Tel Aviv University, I spent my free time exploring Jerusalem. In March 2018, I wandered into the Museum of Israel and saw a sign written only in Hebrew. As I searched for Google Translate on my phone, I noticed him.
In a moment of boldness, I asked, “Ata medaber anglit?” He smiled and said yes. We explored the museum together, and he later walked me to my bus stop. After exchanging hugs and numbers, I broke my mom’s “don’t talk to strangers” rule—but taking risks can pay off.
Over the next two months, we stayed in touch as friends. He showed me around Jerusalem, and I helped him practice Spanish. Slowly, he became part of my life, meeting my friends and visiting Tel Aviv frequently. One day, he introduced me to his family, casually calling me his girlfriend. Turns out Israeli men know what they want!
He met my mom when she visited for my graduation and my dad over Zoom. When I flew back to Peru in September, we were broke, with visits only possible ten months later. In 2019, he spent three weeks in Peru, meeting my family and friends. That’s when we decided on a life together, though he claims he knew long before.
The pandemic delayed everything. My planned April 2020 visit to Israel was canceled, as were Oren’s multiple attempts to come to Peru. Desperate, we reached out to embassies. In September 2020, he got permission for a humanitarian flight from France. I scrambled to prepare wedding paperwork. He landed on September 24th, and by October 2nd, we were married at the courthouse and, the next day, at my church.
Four years later, I cherish every crazy moment. Oren fought international bureaucracy to marry me, and when the war began, our bond proved unshakable. Becoming an army wife brought challenges, but I never doubted staying by his side. Even during miluim (reserve duty), he ensured I felt safe and supported, even caring for my friends.
I often joke that I stole him from the Museum of Israel, but in truth, we’re building a life together in Jerusalem with our dog, Killa. Despite the struggles, seeing my husband makes every challenge worthwhile—because he would turn the world upside down for me."
Love Through Distance and Trials: Kelly and Bar’s Journey
The second story in our February love series brings us to Kelly and Bar, a couple whose love transcended continents, a global pandemic, and the challenges of military life.
Their journey began by chance in Peru, but it was far from smooth sailing. From navigating the chaos of COVID-19 travel restrictions to enduring months apart, Kelly and Bar’s relationship was tested in ways most of us can only imagine. Kelly says:
"Bar Shmuel and I met in Peru in 2020. I was volunteering, and he was on his “Big Trip” after completing military service. Our meeting was pure serendipity—my trip was originally scheduled six months earlier, and the city where we crossed paths wasn’t even on his itinerary.
We met at a party. I was celebrating a friend’s farewell with a little too much alcohol, and Bar was working behind the bar (Bar working at the bar—how fitting!). We struck up a conversation, exchanged numbers, and went our separate ways. He had a three-day trip planned, but we agreed to meet as soon as he returned.
When he came back, we met at a café in the city center and talked for about two hours. Not wanting the day to end, we decided to continue our date elsewhere. Bar took me to a beautiful view point I hadn’t visited before, and we stayed there until sunset. Our first date extended into the next day—it lasted 24 hours!
At the end of that magical day, Bar told me he was heading to Cusco the next day and invited me to join him. I had only two weeks left in Peru, so I said I’d think about it. But as soon as we parted, something clicked. I realized I was completely smitten and had to see him again. I decided to follow him to Cusco, where we spent an unforgettable week together.
After that, I returned to Brazil, and the pandemic turned the world upside down. Bar had to cut his trip short and return to Israel. We kept in touch through daily WhatsApp messages and video calls. By November 2020, we couldn’t bear the distance anymore. With Brazil under strict travel restrictions, we couldn’t meet in either of our home countries. Instead, we chose a third option: England.
We spent two weeks in isolation together in England and realized what we had was extraordinary. That’s when we decided to start the partner visa process for Israel. After a long and challenging journey, I moved to Israel in July 2021 and was granted my partner visa in November.
In October 2023, when the war in Israel began, Bar was called back to the army. It was one of the hardest times of my life, but his love and support gave me strength.
In March 2024, we finally got married, and our life together couldn’t be happier. Thanks to Bar’s unwavering support, I’ve improved my Hebrew, found a stable job, learned to drive, built a circle of true friends and co founded Mixed Neshamot.
Our love story feels like a movie, filled with challenges and triumphs. And even this blog post can’t capture everything we’ve been through. All I know is that I wouldn’t trade it for anything."
Love Against All Odds: Roberta and Amit’s Story
Our third love story is about Roberta and Amit, a couple whose journey to be together was anything but easy. Roberta was the last of us to arrive in Israel, and her path was filled with challenges that tested her patience, resilience, and unwavering belief in their love.
From the heartbreaking denial of her first visa application to the emotional toll of being apart, Roberta faced hurdles that might have deterred anyone else. But she refused to give up. With determination and trust in the strength of their bond, she fought for their dream of a life together in Israel. Roberta says:
"Amit and I met during the global uncertainty of 2020 on Tinder. What started as casual chats turned into long video calls that bridged the distance between Israel and Brazil. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we met in Serbia in September 2020, a moment that solidified our bond and set the foundation for our future.
In 2022, I moved to Israel, leaving behind my life in Brazil for love. Living with Amit’s parents, Gadi and Anat, for a year and a half, I was welcomed with open arms. Together, Amit and I built a life—I started working in HR, learning Hebrew, and even founded “Mixed Neshamot,” a women’s community.
In 2024, we moved into our own home and decided to marry. We celebrated our love with an intimate wedding in Georgia, a reflection of our deep connection. From the ceremony to the celebration, it was a moment uniquely ours.
Life has not been without challenges. The war in 2023 tested our resilience, bringing fear and uncertainty. Through sleepless nights and heavy days, we found strength in each other, deepening our bond.
Today, as we reflect on our journey, we are grateful for the love that has guided us. From long-distance beginnings to building a shared life, our story is a testament to the strength of love and commitment. The future holds endless possibilities, and we face it together with hope and joy."
Your Turn to Share the Love!
These three beautiful stories of Ana, Kelly, and Roberta show us that love takes many forms—sometimes bold, sometimes patient, but always powerful. Whether it’s meeting in a museum, overcoming distance, or fighting against all odds, their journeys inspire us to believe in love’s strength and resilience.
Now, we want to hear from you! Do you have a story of love that moved mountains, crossed borders, or brought you unexpected joy? Share your journey with us and let’s celebrate love in all its unique and amazing forms. 💕
After all, every love story deserves to be told—and who knows? Yours might be the next one to inspire us all!
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