When someone asks about or mentions Israel, I always feel a rush of emotions. There are triggers that make me giddy with excitement, triggers that give me goosebumps, triggers that make me sad. I have been fortunate enough to visit Israel 7 times. One of the first things I always mention is the energy of Israel. There’s just something in the air that is evident as soon as one steps off the plane, almost a spiritual caffeine. In some ways, my identification with Israel shapes my identity as an American. My father often tells stories of high holiday services where the rabbi would not continue with the service until enough money had been raised for Israel. He understood that without Israel, American Jewry, and more importantly all Jews could not survive.
In some ways, Israel is a new chance for the “American Dream.” Though the phrase has rarely been used, I would call it the “Israeli Dream.” The ideas are very similar: people traveling from various lands to live free from religious persecution, to thrive economically, and to provide better lives for their children. For me, this is the most beautiful thing about Israel. Israel is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world and it is the only democracy in the middle east. These and many other accomplishments are testament to the success of this dream.
I care about Israel because I am Jewish, because my mother is Israeli, because my family lives there, because I am American, and because I should. My hope is that for whatever reason, others realize the importance of Israel.
July 4, 2008 at 4:40 am |
Why do you put so much emphasis on the Exile? Exile Jews should yearn to return to Israel not because it is an imitation of the Exile, but because it’s not like the Exile.