"I was six years old when we moved. I had no say in the matter."
Sergei
Location: Savigdor Train Station, Tel Aviv
Residence: Petah Tikwa
Age: 20
The encounter: My encounter with Sergei was very short. Less than five minutes after we started speaking, his train pulled into the station. I managed to snap a quick picture before he boarded, and then he was gone.
What are you doing here right now?
I’m waiting for my train. I’m on my way back to my unit.
How do you describe your religious or national identity?
When I get out of the army, I’d like to study computer programming.
Can you tell me a bit about your family?
I have three siblings: an older brother, an older sister, and a younger brother. I live with my mom and my little brother.
Where is your family from?
I grew up in Siberia, in Omsk. We immigrated to Israel in 2000. The economy in Siberia was bad, and my mom thought we’d have a better life here. I was six years old when we moved. I had no say in the matter.
What are your hopes and expectations for the future of this land?
Personally, I want to move to Canada.... [His train arrives.]