Since writing that post, I've been constantly thinking about my connection and experiences in Israel- both living and Taglit. I had a long phone conversation with Zev and exchanged a couple of e-mails with Allie ('07 at Tel Aviv Univ. now) trying to figure out how to connect with other Americans who have been to Israel. It's literally impossible because I know the full extent of what it means to be living in Israel and knowing the Israelis.
Allie wrote to me when I asked about her changing feelings about her past experiences:
I did feel very different when I studied abroad versus being on birthright. And honestly, I feel much different now. When I was abroad I felt like I was living in Israel, but now I really feel like I'm living a true Israeli life in Israel. I didn't have to worry about going to the bank, going to the municipality, paying rent and bills, etc etc. in Haifa. Now I do, and let me tell you it's not easy! Every step you take in Israel is going to feel different, and they are all awesome.
The major criticism that I have for Taglit trips is that they did not prepare me at all for the complex issues in the Israeli society and of course, the Israelis themselves. I remember feeling disoriented and discouraged at times- as if "What the heck am I doing here?" But I kept my chin up and moved on. I had the most amazing experience of my life that I related in my hairy Watson Fellowship interview. What does bother me about these trips as I looked back and as one sociologist describes is that Israel's landscape is being used as a "backdrop" for mission trips for the Diaspora Jews. It's wonderful that Poland and Israel are benefiting from the tourism but I think that the trips should include more interactions with the Israelis. Try understand what it means to be Jewish and you'd be so surprised by the Israelis' opinions. It's hard to view them as your brothers and sisters but they are. They just have different ways of expressing Judaism that the movements in the US don't tell you about. I hate it when I hear of American Jews complaining that the Israelis are too *different* but so what? As Grandma says, life would be boring if everyone was all the same.
I also realize how different I am now- I've become more protective about Israel's image. Every little thing relating to Israel here ticks me off, I just go to the events to make sure that Israel is being protrayed accurately and fairly. I try to raise questions that aren't overly complex but revealing something about the Israeli society to the rest of the audience. But sometimes it's better to be quiet rather try to argue with the people becaise they weren't there. Also, it's hard to connect and to relate when someone gushes about their birthright trip (or just says that it was an awesome trip). For me, you don't get it.
Nevertheless, I will say that if I had to give advice to someone going on one of these mission trips, I'd tell them that they're in for a very long haul. Once they get more involved with Israel beyond their trip, the trip will become a pretty small piece of a 1,000,000 piece puzzle.
No comments:
Post a Comment