“Why are you abandoning me?” A Plea to Diaspora Jewry

I grew up in a Zionist community in Australia. Most of us belonged to Zionist youth movements and the person who left to go on Aliyah was something of a hero, exemplifying the values to which we aspired, living out the principles that we expounded.

When it was my turn, I felt that my community was embracing my decision and supporting me in every way.

We all believed in the miracle of Zionism. The Jewish people had returned to their ancient homeland and created an exemplary society, governed by the principles of the Declaration of Independence. We had joined the family of nations, we were free, secure and we were prosperous, so that our social welfare system could support the many who arrived in the Promised Land without many worldly possessions or those who needed extra support.

Israelis’ casual attitude towards formal dress or Western manners was endearing. They were sabras – prickly on the outside but really very sweet inside.

Israel was a melting-pot, where Jews from many places came together and all found their place. We had non-Jewish minorities who were treated equally under the law.

Our democracy was flawed but functional and even though many sectors of Israeli society came from societies that were distinctly undemocratic, including a very large group of immigrants from the Soviet Union and others from Arab lands, once here, they were educated about the advantages and privileges of living in a democracy.

Israel was the one place where I could live as a religious Jew without missing out on opportunities or facing discrimination. Religious and secular Zionists........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)