Friday, September 19, 2008

Hmmm....

Will going to Israel make me like being American more? Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
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  1. UnknownSeptember 21, 2008 at 6:12 PM

    I have to be honest, Liat, moving somewhere else other than "here" (wherever "here" is) won't solve any problems you are struggling with. If you have an issue being an American, you will have it whether you stay here, move to Ireland, Israel, or Zimbabwe. The simple fact of the matter is that you ARE an American, and it will always come through because that is the culture that you have spent the majority of your life in.

    Now, is that good or bad? Only you can decide. If you move out of this country, you will be reminded that you are an American every moment. Sometimes you will do something, say something, or think something, and it will remind you that you are from a different culture. Sometimes you'll run into a-holes who will love to remind you and try to make you feel badly that you are an American. I say f' them. Be proud of who and what you are.

    I have an Israeli friend who now lives in the US. He was very self-conscious of being Jewish...he didn't believe in the religion, didn't have any use for it...a typical secular Israeli. Since he came to the US, he's changed a lot. He's very proud of being Jewish, has become more aware of the religion, and feels the need to be something of a teacher at his work.

    Why? Because he is now the outsider...the different person. This will be you in Israel...at least in the beginning. You may find that you are more proud of being American than you think. When you are the outsider and everyone around you isn't an American, you may find a newfound desire to educate people on all the good things there are by being an American.

    I think you need to head over there and hang out for a bit. You are still in college...try a semester in Israel and see what it's like to live there. I would also suggest NOT going to Hebrew University...go somewhere where there are less Americans to hang out with. Go over winter break for a week or 2.

    Let me know if you do go...I have some friends who might be willing to go out for coffee or something and talk to you about their experiences in Israel (both olim and sabras).

    Anyway, just food for thought.

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