Raised in New Jersey, she grew up with a brother who made aliyah and a sister in Florida, her mother a homemaker and her father working for El Al. She learned Hebrew at a Jewish school and studied prayers but never considered moving to Israel when she was younger.
A lifelong athlete, Rush played tennis in her 30s and lifted weights for a decade after 40 until boredom set in. At 51, she ventured into martial arts at a gym, discovering jujitsu. Training with instructors, she progressed steadily, earning a black belt three years ago despite most peers being 20-40 years younger.
“It was tough, but I love challenges,” she noted. In 2022, she founded Chai Jitsu, a nonprofit teaching Jewish children jujitsu for physical and mental strength, but closed it last October after making aliyah, realizing the distance hindered oversight.
“I didn’t truly understand what home meant until I got here. Israel is modern, with great people, food, entertainment and fashion. Strangers say, ‘Take my number, call if you need help,’” she shared. She noted some rudeness but finds it manageable.
When asked about American habits Israel should adopt, she suggested:“Keeping distance on the street.” Public transport remains an adjustment she struggles with, while she misses Amazon’s fast deliveries. Her favorite spot? “My neighborhood, Mishkenot Ha’uma in Jerusalem.”
