What is home Part II
Those of you who know me also know that in the course of my career, I have called Moscow and Istanbul home, but my real home has always been Jerusalem.
Being something of a packrat, I carry the mementos of these homes with me – carpets from Turkey, some furniture from Russia, and many many books and pictures from Israel. And now, an antique desk from New England, which I have placed next to a window from which I view the changing foliage and write these columns.
While some of my friends in the Foreign Ministry make their temporary homes in places like Hanoi or Tokyo, where whatever Jewish community there happens to be is of the transient variety, my temporary homes have always been in places where Jews have made their own homes for ages. Not necessarily the most welcoming of homes, but nevertheless, there they are.
The Jewish communities which I have found in these places are very different from each other, and yet, there is always a commonality. There is always some sort of connection to Israel, although not necessarily always of the kind that “official” Israel would prefer.
When I arrived in Istanbul, I was surprised to find many members of the small Jewish community there speaking Hebrew. Over the years, many of them had tried to make their homes in Israel. Some had succeeded more than others, and some had returned to Istanbul for one reason or another. The short flying time (less than 2 hours) between the two countries allowed many of them to keep homes in both places, to travel easily, to feel a part of both societies.
For Boston’s Jewish community, it is harder for obvious reasons to hold on to that immediate connection. And yet many here recognize the importance of engagement with Israel. This is an important part of their identity, and, I believe, equally important for Israel.
For many, their physical home is here in America, while their spiritual or emotional home is in Israel. Others are not necessarily interested in making their homes in Israel, but feel a strong sense of fraternal connection. And that’s okay. Both places are welcoming, and allow that discourse.
What is important is the engagement – that there be a feeling of attachment, of affection, of support and of shared cultures – on both sides of the ocean. Individuals within the two communities need not only engage politically and through social action – there are so many cultural, economic, academic and social ways to connect. This is what will help keep Israel strong, while keeping the community here vibrant.
The connection between the communities, the mutual commitment and contributions, not only help Israel, but also the American Jews. Gone are the days when Israel was the poor cousin waiting for American hand-outs. Today, the two communities are partners, working together so that both can thrive.
Rony Yedidia is the consul of Israel to New England.
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