By Daniel Goldschmidt. It hardly seems possible that a year has gone by since last September 14th when I arrived as a new immigrant from the Midwestern United States. So much has happened this first year. It feels as if I arrived only yesterday.
Upon my arrival in Israel I was full of expectations and the hope of building a new life. My hopes have been fulfilled in so many ways not withstanding an awareness of the problems that this wonderful nation confronts every day. I have discovered Israel to be, in thought and action, a very young country with a real zest for living.
Chronologically, of course, Israel’s statehood was only declared sixty three years ago but the mood and spirit of the people regardless of age is very refreshing. To experience the Israeli zest for life all one needs to do is visit any part of Tel Aviv. Late into the evening one will discover people of all ages dining out or enjoying the varied and plentiful entertainment available. There are entire families including the children enjoying an evening out together. There is a love for children that is very evident and as they play freely in public.
When attending entertainment venues it is not surprising to see mothers and fathers dancing with their small children and being held high on the shoulders of their fathers. I find that the people have a profound religious and ethical approach to life here. Even though much of Israeli society considers themselves secular it has been my observation that many observe Shabbat, Jewish and National holidays. Even more importantly they practice and believe in Jewish ethics. On Shabbat and holidays most shops are closed and the streets become very quiet.
Economically Israel has one of the strongest economies despite the world’s current economic woes. Israel has an unemployment rate presently of only 5.5% that has been partially caused by the government support of sunrise industries and an astute economic policy.
Hospitality is an important Jewish ethic and as a result I have many friends here and I am involved in many organizations. The synagogue I belong too is unique in that the entire service is set to music and even some dance. We hold our summer services on the newly renovated Tel Aviv port that attracts up to 1500 people for Kabbalat Shabbat services. It represents for many Israelis an alternative to Orthodox services.
Politically the average citizen is very conscious of both the domestic as well as international problems. Over sixty percent of Israelis exercise their right to vote and there seems to be as many different opinions on a subject as there are voters. I recently attended a large public demonstration in connection with need for domestic reform that was inspired by a tent city in downtown Tel Aviv. I was quite impressed with not only the political awareness but the decorum of the approximately 160000 people. It is the young active leadership that helps to keep this nation vital. Unfortunately, because of the numerous political parties the Government is often represented with minority voices that do not represent the general population.
As a new immigrant to Israel I have felt a real need and desire to learn Hebrew. I am sure that one could get along without doing so, because most Israelis at least in metropolitan areas do speak and understand some English. But, in order to fit into the society and to participate fully in the daily life here knowledge of Hebrew is very important. Modern Hebrew is based on one of the most ancient languages. But Modern Hebrew was only introduced in the early 1900’s.
I continue to struggle to express myself but I am fascinated with the language. I am beginning to write, read, and speak enough Hebrew to at least take care of my rudimentary needs and converse some on a social level.
The food of Israel is part of the excitement of living here. First of all the diet is definitely Mediterranean, which means lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables have a real superior taste since they are allowed to ripen before harvesting. Going to the market is a real experience since you never know what will be in season next, and there are many new varieties to explore.
I am sure that this country has more restaurants per capita than any other western nation. There are wonderful bakeries, butcher shops, fish peddlers, delicatessens, small juice bars, and ethnic Israeli food. There are three mainstays of traditional Israeli food: One is falafel which is made from ground deep fried chic peas formed into balls, hummus made from mashed chic peas, and schwarma sliced from lamb or turkey all being served with potatoes, salad, and condiments in pita bread.
There are more different nationalities represented here than anyplace else I have ever been including New York and most of them are very interesting to meet. Shopping in Israel can be a real experience particularly if you do not have even a rudimentary command of the Hebrew language. Israelis love to shop and many types of shopping experiences are available. The most modern of shopping malls are filled with the latest products and fashions represented by internationally known labels, as well as numerous small boutique specialty shops. Israelis also seem to be fascinated with anything American. Believe it or not Mc Donald’s is very popular here. Israel is now taken seriously in women’s fashion alongside New York or Paris. Israeli women know how to be alluring and have an excellent fashion sense. I have never worn a suit or sport coat since I have been here. Even though Israel has an astonishing business built around weddings, the groom’s attire usually includes a fancy shirt.
Since arriving in Israel there have been incidents that have happened that makes one very aware of how precarious the international political situation is. We have had several large fires started by terrorists, a knifing of an entire family including an infant, a recent attack on a bus in Sinai killing seven, and hundreds of missiles, and mortars fired into southern Israel. You especially become very aware of the situation when you are issued your own personal gas mask. Recently in Tel Aviv we had a stabbing attack of a teen ager at a nightclub that left one person seriously wounded and several others moderately.
Even though I am concerned, I truly believe that Israel militarily is one of the strongest in the world and that our military is very capable of responding quickly to any major problem. I had the opportunity last year to spend three weeks with the Israel Defense Force (IDF) and I visited with many soldiers since I arrived. I am so impressed with the pride and dedication that military personnel feel. Israel’s defense force is also one of the most sophisticated equipped forces in the world. This includes the iron dome which has already shown its merit in destroying missiles being fired into the south from Gaza. Every man in Israel is required to spend three years serving in the military and women serve two-years. This gives Israel not only a large effective standing army but an enormous well trained reserve. Security and intelligence is maintained at a very high level. Whenever you enter into any large public space there are security guards present.
I arrived in Israel at the age 76. Very late to make such a lifetime change but despite Israel’s international and domestic problems I have felt much younger here and my experiences every day are more profound than in the States, I have found a wonderful home in my adopted country where there is so much dedication, excitement, and joy of living. As a Jew I feel at home here. Where everyone wishes you a shabbat shalom on Friday s, and the major holidays are celebrated publically re-invigorates my love for Judaism. I find myself to be very fulfilled and satisfied and plan to spend the remainder of my life here. It remains the only place in the world where Jews can freely express themselves as Jews, openly and proudly.
