The problem:
Help!
Dear Jonathan and Jessica and any teen who can help!
I understand that one of you is from Florida and I don't know where the
other is from- but I need help. I teach English in tenth grade in a school
in Israel and I am involved in a project which is dealing with Israeli
identity. My involvement includes the discussion of the diaspora and
Israel, specifically dealing with the diaspora's perception of Israel and
Israelis. That is, how do you think that the image of the Israeli has
changed. What is an Israeli? What makes an Israeli an Israeli? When I was
growing up- and believe me, it's been years(!), I used to think of Israelis
as healthy, happy, soldier type people, wearing shorts and a kova tembel,
singing, dancing the hora in the sun- heroic Jews, pioneers, etc. I know
that the image has changed- but I am interested in knowing what you both
think- and comments by any of your friends, etc. Anyhow, if you can help,
I'd appreciate it. In any case, forgive me, please, for intruding on your
conversations! Thanks. Evelyn
Teens respond:
Dear Evelyn,
Hi, I'm Jonathan. I am the Floridian. I'm here to help you with your
project. Seems interesting. I go to public school, so I really know what
the stereotypical American thinks of Israel as. My brother and I wear our
kippot to school. Everyone associates us with Judaism and Israel. Then
they ask us, about Israel and if we are from there. We tell them we're not,
but we also tell them that we have relatives there and we visit often.
Their outlook is like, Oh! A high percentage, in my opinion, don't even
know where Israel is on a globe, because the country is so small. (That is
besides the fact that the average American is terrible at geography).
However, my peer students always tell me such things as, "Oh, isn't that the
dangerous place that is always getting bombed." Sadly, I tell them, yes.
We may be bad at geography, but we get good news coverage here and that is
why the student's know.
Many Americans are ignorant of Israel, because of the fact they haven't
even been there yet or are afraid to go. When asked where they see many people
making a pilgrimage to (if it meant Rome or Bethlehem), they tell me they
prefer Rome, only because it's the more popular destination here to visit.
A few kid's however, really do know what's going on and would love to visit
Israel. Some tell me they see the country as a tough fighting machine where
most of the people are dark and hairy. Can't find much argument with that
opinion. Lastly, some student's really show an animosity toward the
country. After all, it is a country predominantly of Jews, killer of Jesus
himself (Judas Iscariot). (This is probably a reflection of their parent's
views as well). I hope this project works out fine for you. Please inform
me of your class response when it's all over.
B'hatzlacha,
Jonathan Friedson
Evelyn responds:
Many thanks for your thoughtful and interesting response to the e-mail. I
will pass on your letter to the kids in the 10th grade. I am sure that you
will get letters back (at least, that is my plan!). When I read your note,
I felt as if I were back in the States. I myself- way back when (graduated
35 years ago!)- heard many of the same comments that you did. Perhaps in
many ways, people's perception of Israel hasn't changed much. I do
remember, however, that in 1967 (and I was in college then), Israel seemed
much more heroic to the average American than today (the underdog
principle, I am sure). Have you visited Israel? Where in Florida are you
from? My sister lives in Orlando and her daughter is very involved with
GORFTY. Take care, Jona, and again- it was great hearing from you.
L'hitraot, Evelyn