I am what I sometimes call a hybrid. I am Israeli and a proud American citizen. I have lived in Florida for more than twenty years. That means I understand both worlds — not from headlines, but from life.
I understand Israel because I grew up there. I understand American Jewish life because I built my adult life here, raised my family here, and became part of American society. Living between the two has shaped how I see certain debates in Israel — especially those that are often simplified or misunderstood.
One of those debates concerns mosque loudspeakers and the early-morning call to prayer.
I grew up in Nazareth Illit, today known as Nof HaGalil, on the border with Nazareth. Nof HaGalil is a Jewish city. Nazareth has historically been a Christian city and is widely known as the birthplace of Jesus. It is also home to Muslim communities.
When I was growing up, around five in the morning, loudspeakers from nearby mosques would broadcast the call to prayer. The sound carried across neighborhoods — Jewish, Muslim, secular and Christian alike. At the time, I barely noticed it. It was simply part of the........

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