Judaism helped me survive Survivor, says contestant

Proud ex-King Davidian and corporate lawyer, Amy Eliason, has joined a new tribe, taking her place among the castaways of the latest season of Survivor South Africa: Immunity Island.

“I knew on Survivor I would call on my faith to give me strength. I believed that this would help me immensely when things seemed to get dark,” said Eliason about her strong identification with Judaism.

“I also tried to remember that I wasn’t just representing myself on the show, but the community and, of course, my family. I think that helped to keep me grounded and stable,” the 33-year-old told the SA Jewish Report this week.

A born and bred Joburger, Eliason grew up in a religious home and attended King David Victory Park. She then went on to complete a BCom Honours in finance and then her law degree. She now works as a director at a major international law firm.

Eliason said that while she always watched and loved Survivor, she had never previously considered taking part, “but one day I was at a braai with friends, and the call for applications came on TV, and somehow I knew that I had to enter and that I would be selected. It was almost written in the stars. When I got the call confirming I was in, though, I nearly had a heart attack!”

What made it even more difficult was that at first, the contestants weren’t allowed to tell many people they had been selected. “It’s like winning the lottery and having to wait six months to claim your winnings!” she joked.

Her motivation for taking part in the challenge was to prove to herself that she had “the strength of character it takes to not only survive but thrive in the toughest environment. I wanted to make my family proud of me, but mostly, I wanted to make myself proud of me,” said Eliason, who also writes poetry and plays poker as creative outlets alongside her professional career path.

Taking part in Survivor was the latest adventure brought on by her “inquisitive nature”. “I’m always seeking to experience new things. Survivor ended up being more of a challenge than I ever expected, and the pride that I have now is incomparable,” she said.

The eighth season of the South African version of this international reality TV show was also the first season to be filmed on South African soil. Eliason was one of 20 chosen to spend 39 days on the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape in pursuit of R1 million.

Eliason said that when it came to planning for the experience, the COVID-19 lockdown waylaid her best intentions. “When I originally applied for Survivor, I was in the best shape of my life. I was training at least five times a week, and I felt prepared for the experience. Then lockdown hit in March, and I ended up spending months on my couch, eating like it was a sport, and forgetting what a dumbbell looked like. So, it’s safe to say I didn’t feel prepared at all for the island once it all became real!”

Reflecting on her experience of the show, she said the most surprising thing she learnt was that “people can surprise you – in the best and worst ways. But also that I’m stronger and braver than I ever imagined”.

The season ahead will be a “rollercoaster ride for the viewers. There are going to be so many shocks, and I don’t think anybody can predict what’s going to take place. There was never a dull moment.”

She said viewers should also know that the show isn’t fabricated. “I can honestly say that Survivor was completely real – the emotions, the experiences, the challenges – everything!”

The season will begin airing on 3 June, and Eliason is preparing herself for the public exposure: “Being on Survivor is the most raw and vulnerable situation to be in. Knowing that the public will be able to see all of that is scary at times, but also liberating and exciting.

“I hope people are kind and remember that I’m not just a character on TV but also a human being who was just trying her best.”