Some observations from the home of my heart... Israel

Here I am in the homeland of my people, generations of all of mankind, history and religious beginnings of so many groups, and an amazing place in so many ways. One observation this time around (I am here once or twice a year) is that I feel I am on vacation from the “boxing ring politics” that have been taking over way too much space and energy in the United States. I do think my stress level is lower as a result (that and after my husband Ken returned the car we were using to get around – having a car is an entirely different stress level factor for me here). We have been in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Or Yehuda to hang out at some wonderful museums and walk on the beach. Then there was our amazing time in Ginot Shomron and Ma’ale Adumin with various cousins. Now we are presently in Jerusalem and I see people of all religions and groupings walking around peacefully going about their business. I noticed religious Jewish men and hijab cloaked Muslim women sitting next to each other on the light rail transportation system, shoppers in the various Shukim (markets) in close proximity to each other, polite, smiling, going about their business, and interacting with civility, manners and respect. No boxing ring politics, no hatred, no conflicts. Yet, this is not what the headlines report; this is not the focus of newspaper articles… unfortunately. But in this home of my heart this is the reality so much of the time, it clearly warrants reporting and acknowledging.

I have been asked and do feel that it is the American setting that has become more fractured, less conversant and increasingly dangerous. My amazing cousin shared a beautiful article that she wrote about embracing differences in Israel and being “color aware” and not “color blind” that appeared in her synagogue newsletter. We have been in neighborhoods where people across religious lines, cultural and ethnic lines, etc. live together, shop together and work together. But again, this is not what is reported too often.

We were in the Old City in all four quarters (Jewish, Christian, Armenian and Muslim) on Christmas Eve, also the third candle of Hannukah. People of different faiths and garbs wishing each other Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday) whichever yours is. Walking around you heard Hannukah songs and saw the lights of public Hannukiot everywhere and then just down the street there were Christmas carols and decorations. And remember, this is the Jerusalem – the City of Peace – that we hear anything but that too often. Too many of us do wonder and shake our heads … we do not hate, we do not marginalize, we do not fear. We worry, we want equality, we try to figure out how to maintain the integrity of this wonderful place as a democracy and as a Jewish State. Those are legitimate issues with formidable challenges. Yet, in the meantime, we walk in the same markets, eat in the same restaurants, visit the same museums, rest on the same beaches, and so on.

True, there was a horribly sad incident here while we have been here … a tragic bus accident due, it is suspected, to a distracted bus driver in which four people were killed, one of whom we know. I do often say that if you want to be safe in Israel, watch who is driving the vehicle you are in and those around you (which is why having a car here makes me so nervous). It is often reported that many more people die here in traffic accidents than any other type of causative incident year after year, so here is the challenge for all to consider.

We ended the evening of December 24/Kislev 26 by going to a fabulous light and music extravaganza in the Tower of David showing the history of Jerusalem and all of its faith groupings, with the ending wishing all Peace. That is the reality here, even if it is not what you hear. That is why I keep coming back again and again and feel a sense of relief and calm each time I return to this home of my heart. May we all pray for a year of peace for all and may Jerusalem and Israel continue to show us the way in so many different manners. There are challenges to be sure, but look at the multitude of successes – the friendships – the desire for peace – the myriad of ventures of cooperation and so much else – this is the Israel of my heart.