I am a Jew
Those were some of Daniel Pearl’s last words on earth. Although I am not a Jew, and I am proud to be an American, if I had to choose another nationality it would be Israeli.
I was never the strongest kid, and I got picked on and bullied a lot. Maybe that’s why I grew up feeling a strong affinity to Israel, as I watched it triumph in battles against more numerous opponents. Israel was an entire nation created as a response to thousands of years of persecution. It has spent most of its short history fighting for its very survival.
Meanwhile it stays true to its beliefs. It has a vibrant, open economy. It treats its women with respect and equality. Gays have parades in Israel yet are executed in nearby countries. It could have turned its back on its values in the name of security – as other nations have done.
I have never been to Israel, but I expect to someday. As a an atheist, non-Jew in a predominantly Jewish state I expect that I wouldn’t fit in. However I’ve never fit in anywhere – including America – and the older I get the less fitting in matters. What is more important is to live in a nation that values liberty and the power of the individual to transform the world.
I am an American, and I will always be one. However Israel’s continued success – as well as its very existence – will continue to be important to me.
Anti-Semites usually blend their hatred of Israel with America, so while I may not be a Jew, I’m still hated by the “right” people.
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