Bon Voyage 2/4/24

I am flying to Israel this morning. My first few days are a part of a small solidarity trip, on what’s becoming a well-traveled route: visiting Kfar Aza and Ofakim to bear witness, visiting displaced communities in the north, then meeting with survivors and families of hostages. The goal is to show Israel our unequivocal support.

I extended my stay by four days to meet with local museum and media partners. As you can imagine, anything that’s seemingly pro-Israel is wildly unpopular stateside. I would take this sentiment further, to argue that anything seemingly Jewish, not simply Israeli, is similarly unpalatable. This includes profiling an artist that has a Jewish-sounding name, even if they’re not Jewish, or showcasing exhibits that appear supportive or sympathetic to Israel, Jewish causes or known-Zionists. Oh, the horror!

While I am happy to head back, for the first time ever, I’m nervous. The reason? An add-on excursion to Hebron. It’s an important religious site, but it’s in the West Bank, so I’ve managed to avoid it for over two decades. It felt unsafe in peaceful times and I am not excited about anything involving an armed escort and bullet proof vest. But this is the new normal. And if we don’t come to support Israel, who will? Who will support the religious site, the tourist sites, or the small businesses (¼ of which will soon permanently close)? And who will support them emotionally, keeping their spirits up? My son was supposed to have his Bar Mitzvah in Jerusalem next summer and I doubt most of his friends would even consider attending now, but we’re still charging ahead with plans. I’ll say it again: this is a stamina game. We must persevere.

I am anxious, excited and a slew of other emotions that will not lend themselves to a restful sleep tonight (it’s already past midnight!), but I hope to catch up on the plane. I will report back from the road. 

Am Yisrael Chai

Kelly