Discovering Israel: A Personal Journey of Change

How My Love For Israel Started:
Since I was a young teenager living in Israel in the late 1970s, this extraordinary country has captivated my heart and soul. From the moment my feet touched Israeli soil, I felt an overwhelming sense of home—an emotion unlike anything I had ever experienced before. My admiration for all that Israelis have accomplished is immense, and I could only view Israel as the shining star in a world that often seems engulfed in darkness. Whether driving north or passing through the flourishing Negev, I marveled at the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. At that time, the regions of Judea and Samaria, as well as Gaza, were not as they are now.

First Impressions Last Forever:
Living in the Netherlands, I have seen firsthand the impact of having a significant immigrant population from countries that are often hostile toward Israel. My son attended a school where most of his classmates came from these regions, and many of them, unfortunately, shared negative views about Israel. I noticed that some of his friends openly criticized my love for the country. I believe that first impressions are lasting, so I decided the best way to help him understand Israel was to show him the land I cherish so deeply.

I decided to take him to Israel. He had only ever heard stories about Israel at home, where everything about the country was presented through a lens of love. The mezuzah on our door, the blue and white of the Israeli flag decorating our house—there was never any negative talk about Israel, only my longing for a land that felt like home. However, in his school and among his friends, things were different. In Dutch society, Israel is not always viewed favorably, with rising anti-Semitism and the widespread effects of Pallywood propaganda. Most of my son’s friends either didn’t care about the situation in the Middle East or outright despised Israel and Jews. Despite this, I was pleased when he agreed to come along on the trip.

Traveling to Israel:
We flew with El Al, which, as expected, involved a strict security check-in procedure. I had prepared him for the questions and security measures, so it went smoothly, and a few hours later, we arrived at Ben Gurion Airport. The warm weather greeted us, and we drove in our rental car to Betar Illit.

Betar Illit is located in the Judea area of Israel, which some refer to as a “disputed” region. It’s an Orthodox Haredi city, and the sight of ultra-Orthodox Jews walking in the streets and the strict restrictions on driving during Shabbat were a big adjustment for my son. As a secular person, he found it difficult to adapt to this environment and was concerned that all cities in Israel were similar. Yet, the beauty of the surroundings was undeniable.

Discovering The Narratives Of The “Palestinians” Were Fake:
Over the course of 19 days, we traveled 4,138 kilometers, exploring much of Israel. One of the first things my son noticed was the “Palestinian” areas. He was shocked to see how luxurious the houses appeared and remarked that if these were homes of Palestinians, they were living in extreme comfort. He was also surprised to see people of different faiths—Jewish, Arab, Christian—walking together in the streets, entering the same buildings, and even lounging on the same beaches. In Tel Aviv, he took a photo of a mosque near the Dan Panorama Hotel to show his friends that Israel allows freedom of religion. He was also impressed by the professionalism of the soldiers he saw manning checkpoints.

Not Everything Is Sugarcoated:
However, there were some negative aspects for him. Some of his friends stopped talking to him after they found out he was visiting Israel. Additionally, we narrowly avoided several car accidents due to reckless driving. Israeli drivers, he noticed, can be quite impatient and unsafe on the road, which he absolutely disliked. We even saw two truck drivers stop in the middle of Highway 6, causing a dangerous situation and a massive traffic jam. He also found the constant honking from drivers who couldn’t stand waiting even a moment at a traffic light to be frustrating. Though the chaotic traffic was a source of complaints, he acknowledged that despite the madness, the dangerous situations mostly ended well.

Israel’s Beauty:
Israel’s beauty, however, left a lasting impression on him. His favorite destinations were Timna National Park and the Golan Heights. He also appreciated the good weather and enjoyed the Dead Sea, which was a particularly memorable experience. We visited a friend at Kibbutz Ha’ma Pill, where the freedom, natural beauty, and laid-back atmosphere helped him realize that not all cities in Israel are the same, nor are they all religious.

Our visit coincided with the holiday of Pesach, and while it was a unique experience, I now think it may not have been the best timing. For a young, secular man, eating matzo at every meal wasn’t particularly enjoyable, but it was part of the Israeli experience.

Conclusion:
Reflecting on this first trip to Israel, my son came to the following conclusions: The country itself is breathtaking—truly amazing. The narrative surrounding “palestinians” is misleading; there is no apartheid in Israel for Arabs or “palestinians”. However, there is a form of apartheid for Jews, who are not allowed to pray on the Temple Mount, for example. The traffic in Israel is a chaotic mess, with drivers showing a disregard for safety. Israel is a country that appears westernized on the surface, but its mentality still has elements of the Middle East. Israelis are disorganized in everyday situations, rarely on time, and bogged down by excessive bureaucracy. The one exception to this is their unwavering focus on security and safety. But when you form deep friendships in Israel, they are for life. The food is delicious (except during Pesach), and the weather is generally great.

For my son, the most confusing aspect of Israel was the contrast between its modern, western appearance and the behaviors of its people. While it was a wonderful experience for him, he found that Israel isn’t exactly his ideal place to live. Unless I decide to make Israel my home, he plans to stay in Europe. Still, his perspective on the Israeli-Arab conflict has shifted. Seeing things for himself helped him form his own opinions.

Deep Love For Israel:
As for me, this trip reinforced my deep love for Israel. Despite all its imperfections, I am convinced that what makes Israel truly special is its Jewish culture, the way of life rooted in the Torah, and its high moral standards. Perhaps, if Israelis begin to live more in accordance with Jewish teachings, they will find unity once more—a nation bound together in respect and compassion for all. Israel, with its few allies beyond its borders, needs this unity now more than ever. Progress is important, but not at any cost. If the people of Israel stand united, they will overcome any challenges that arise. When Israel is one, when its people take pride in their country, the light they radiate will shine brightly across the globe, and Israel will once again become the example it was always meant to be, protected by Hashem.