Another reflection

written December 12, 2010

Prompt:
Describe your feelings of connection to the State of Israel (Medinat Yisrael).

When I was very young, I learned that my parents had taken their honeymoon to Israel. In my young mind, because my parents had gone on their honeymoon to Israel, I just assumed that this was something all Jews did. Thanks to my family life, synagogue community and Shalom Sesame, I was learning to love Hebrew and Israeli culture without even being aware of it.

Over time, I have come to the realization that I think of Israel like a member of my family, for the following reasons:

1. When I was younger my relationship with Israel was very simple and innocent. Just as I looked to my parents as being perfect and incapable of making mistakes, I thought the same about Israel. As I got older, I realized that although I loved my parents, I didn’t always agree with their decisions and I began to develop my own opinions. The moment I realized I didn’t necessarily agree with everything Israel as a state chose to put into action was very challenging.

2. They say that you can pick your friends, but you can’t pick you family. I didn’t choose Israel, but Israel has always been my people’s home.

3. Even if a family member does something that you disagree with, in the end they are still your family and your support is with them. Just with Israel, even if I don’t agree with every decision Israel as a state makes, I still stand with Israel.

4. No one is allowed to talk smack about my little brother, except me! We may be hard on Israel for decisions that the government makes, but if anyone else talks badly about our home, we are the first to defend her.

5. The closer you are to someone the more their actions upset you because you want what is best for them. You see their potential, you know their real essence and you want everyone else to see that too. Just with Israel, if we didn’t care so much about Israel, we wouldn’t be so hard on her. Since we know what Israel can be, we don’t want to settle for anything less.

Just like with a family member, we get upset with Israel, we worry about Israel, we are proud of Israel, there are times when we agree and disagree with Israel. I won’t pretend I agree with Israel all of the time, but no matter what, I will have her back, cause she’s my home.