Sometimes I ask myself, do I have the right to speak about what happens in Israel?

Let me be clear, this is not about antisemitism. That is never up for debate, and I will never be quiet about it. This is about life in Israel… in between the wars.

I don’t live there. I live in America, a country I love, with both its epic moments and its undeniable failures.

But I am a proud Jewish woman. And like so many of us, I have hearts that beat in Israel.

I am a mom who watches from afar, counting the days until I’m back on that plane. Wheels up, tears already forming and then again when they touch down. Because somehow, it feels like a home away from home.

When I’m there, something shifts. I don’t feel the need to look over my shoulder. I don’t feel the need to whisper. “Fitting in” isn’t about conforming, it’s about simply being. Human. Whole.

We often use the word resilience. And yes, it’s beautiful. It fits. But living life in the shadow of war is something deeper than a single word.

Because life doesn’t stop.

Kids still need to learn, even when schools close. Parents still need to work, even when they can’t go into the office. Businesses still try to survive, even when their customers are called up to serve.

War doesn’t just exist in moments, it leaves marks. Financial. Emotional. Invisible and lasting.

And yet… No one wakes up thinking, “Today I will be resilient.” They wake up and do what they have to do. They live.

Because in a place that understands Chai..life.. you don’t just endure… you continue.

From here, we are shown pieces. Narratives. Noise. Call it what you want..propaganda, perspective, distance.

But here’s what I know: Even if I don’t live there… I am still connected to it.

So do I have the right to speak? Yes. And so do you.

Because what we’re really speaking about isn’t just politics.. it’s people, spirit, history, complexity… and something deeply sacred.

We don’t just need Israel. Israel needs us too.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)