Feeling Connected to Israel, The Media and Learning From Israelis.

Below is the entry from one week ago when I was compelled to write how I felt connected to the situation in Israel because I had visited there, even more than because I am a Jew; and also wondering how connected others felt.  While, I certainly still do feel that way, with all that has occurred in one week's time, I simply can't leave it at that.

I have become addicted to the Israeli Times Live Blog - constantly checking it for updates.  Last night, I couldn't sleep until I knew what was happening with the humanitarian cease fire.  I have also become dependent on Facebook posts and links and in reading what those that I know who are in Israel think and post. 

Although it seemed that the news outlets have been devoting more time to the stories of the current conflict, I am still amazed at how little the networks are airing on TV - including CNN - who in the past has milked stories of war and conflict for all they could.  So many evenings this week I have wanted to get an update offline, but found the usual talk shows were still airing.  Certainly the days news from Israel was more important!

Of course now with today's downing of Malaysia Airline Flight 17,  the focus of TV news will pull away from Israel and will be an inhibiting factor for Americans connecting with the conflict in Israel.  What I don't understand is why there is now constant coverage of a situation that is not going to change, or whose developments will come in very, very slowly when the situation in Israel is constantly changing hour by hour! 

I also feel compelled to comment on something else I wrote last week asI think my thoughts written below may no longer hold true.  A friend of mine who is currently studying in Israel was so impressed to see a group of Israelis dancing the other evening and living their lives as best they could under the current circumstances.  While before I was considering the possibility that many living in Israel did not want to face the reality of the situation as it was beginning to unfold, but maybe a more accurate viewpoint is that they continue to have courage and strength to live their day to day lives.  And from what I am reading on Israelis' Facebook pages, they do live their lives despite the fear and trauma they may be facing!  I hope we can all learn from the strength, courage and commitment shown by our fellow Jews living in Israel.


I am so grateful I had the opportunity to visit Israel this past year.  Not because as Haaretz.com says, "Israel's calm years are over," but because now I have a greater awareness and sensitivity for Israel that I would not have otherwise.  Obviously as an adult Jew, I have always been aware of the plight of Israel to some extent, but I feel more connected to the events of this turbulence time in a way that I did not during the previous major uprising.

While on our synagogue mission in December, the rockets from Gaza began to slowly increase in frequency.   I have been told that those living in Israel say its part of their everyday life and they don't become alarmed at the news if a terrorist's rocket here and there and the isolated events are of little concern to most residents.  However,  at the time my niece was a journalist with the IDF and through conversations with her it became apparent that the intensity of the situation was increasing.

I was surprised how the Israeli community took the news in stride.  Was it because of the heightened sense of security that one feels from the presence of the IDF that my niece always speaks of?  Was it because of their total faith in their government? Was it because of a feeling of stability within the region because life in Israel had been is calm?  Or did their acceptance of events come from not wanting to acknowledge or accept changes in the life, culture and peacefulness in their everyday lives?  Did the average Israeli citizens close their eyes to the inherent dangers and internalize a false sense of security?   Do average American Jews close their eyes to the ongoing questionable fate of Israel?   Or am I way off base for even wondering if this may be the case?

Certainly,  tragedy and terror have a way of bringing people together and feeling connected. With the murders of Equal Yucatan, Naptime Franken and Gil-ad Share, Jews a cross the world joined in solidarity both in action and in thought and have been in tune with recent events.

As more detailed news and specifics filter in on Facebook posts and links, mot of us are aware of the extent of instability of the region;  but do we really have a grasp of the situation?  By now we have all seen the Facebook site of Israelis happily posting selflies from their shelters.   My sister-in-law seemed content to know that the rocket headed for Tel Aviv was intercepted and assumes her daughter is safe.

More and more Jews are actively seeking news because,  as usual,  mainstream news on Israel is limited.  Aside from hearing the news and learning of the ongoing, I wonder if most American Jews actually feel connected to Israel.

A few years ago I asked my grandmother, who was born in New York in 1907,  how she felt when Israel became a nation.  Her answer surprised me.  She said she couldn't recall thinking one way or another about it.  My grandmother had spent her entire life as a Jew in Diaspora without a strong sense of attachment to the Jewish population at large m. She was an American first and a Jew second.  I have a feeling that that sentiment was, and is, not uncommon to those removed from religious culture and upbringing.

In addition to my relationship with my synagogue think my visit to Israel has provided me with a growing connection to Israel.  Had I not been to Israel and not developed an appreciation of our history,  gratitude for the land of Israel,  an understanding if out plight and even a sense of honor; I may too may feel removed from the present day events and what it may mean for the future of both Israel and our people.   I am so thankful to my synagogue for helping me feel connected during these uncertain times.