MAKING MONTREAL THEIR NEW HOME

The Frankel Family’s Story

Fernando and Andrea Frankel arrived from Buenos Aires in February 2002.  Even though Fernando worked at a large pharmaceutical company and Andrea was a teacher at a Jewish day school – they decided to leave their native country.  The Frankels got in touch with JIAS Montreal, which helped them to start the process. In 2001 they made an exploratory trip to Montreal, where Andrea met relatives for the very first time. 

While still in Argentina, Fernando was accepted as a Ph.D. candidate with the internationally acclaimed authority on HIV/AIDS issues, Dr. Mark Wainberg at the Jewish General Hospital.  

Shortly before leaving Buenos Aires, the economic and political crisis peaked. Restrictions on withdrawal of cash from bank deposits were implemented followed by a massive devaluation of the currency. They saw their savings frozen and virtually evaporate.  They arrived in Montreal in mid-winter yet they had something few immigrants have: welcoming cousins who took them into their house until they found an apartment.   

Through JIAS Montreal they received settlement services, were referred to Contact ProMontreal, and received membership passes for the Jewish Public Library and the YM-YWHA. “These things might not be considered as something ‘essential’, although they were to us,” said Andrea. “As a newcomer, life is tough and very stressful so recreation and exercise are needed to help ease the tension.”  They both agreed that the toughest thing for them was, and still is, being away from their families. Another pitfall to overcome is cultural change, not only about deficits in language skills and new eating habits; it’s also about more basic things like body language and rules of personal space.  

In July 2002 Andrea started working at the Bronfman Jewish Education Centre and later that year she started an M.A. Educational Technology program at Concordia.   

In September 2003, baby Lucas was born.  They attended childbirth education sessions where they met and became friends with other young couples. Lucas’ Brith Milah was organized with the help of JIAS Montreal.

When asked to identify key elements of a successful integration Andrea and Fernando agreed that language training, an abundance of patience, an open mind to cultural change and never losing sight of ones initial reasons to immigrate are vital.  The Frankels are very happy in their new home. They possess the strength and determination to deal with all the challenges of immigration and they look forward, with confidence, to their family’s future in Montreal.