Israeli Chronicles — Connecting Israel & Cincinnati
Homesick
As the 2016 Congregation and Community Israel Mission gets closer, I am getting more and more homesick. The layers of distance and every day routines start melting away, and I find myself missing Israel. I can almost feel the sea breeze, and smell the salt air. I can almost taste the wonderful Israeli cuisine in any restaurant or at my parents’ house.
I miss it all.
On a day-to-day basis, I almost don’t have the time to miss it. As an emissary, I’m constantly busy bringing you Israel’s glory and challenges, its complexities, the news, the stories, the different narratives, and the people. The people who make up Israel.
Last week, in our Israelity program, we heard moving remarks by Lucy Aharish. Lucy talked about her unapologetic way and path in the Israeli society as an Israeli Arab, a news anchor and host, an actress, a woman. She brought a strong, courageous voice—loving Israel, fighting to make it better, claiming it in a very Zionist way.
And from one Israel to the other—I found myself this week watching the “Friendship Caravan” show that Federation brought to town, at Camp Friedlander. This charming group of teenage Israeli Scouts sings Israeli, Jewish, and original songs in a very enthusiastic way. They bring Israel to life on stage in a beautiful, young, energetic way, and they create special connections with their audiences.
And there they were— the tears, climbing up to the throat, straight through the heart.
Without being sarcastic (not an easy thing for an Israeli), these teens truly are everything that is beautiful in Israel. Their passion, devotion, open hearts, charisma, and free spirits shine.
They come from backgrounds of different colors, shapes and sizes. They come from all over Israel. They hold a better future in the palm of their hands.
They made me so homesick.
So here we go. Just a few final things to organize before the Mission … and off we go!
I feel privileged to have the opportunity to share all of the faces, colors, past, present, and future of Israel with 508 of you!
See you soon in Israel!!!! להתראות בישראל!
