Israel Through My Parents’ Eyes

When you’ve lived somewhere for almost ten years, you stop noticing the little things. My parents’ first visit to Israel reminded me to see this country with fresh eyes.

Before they arrived, most of what they knew about Israel came from the news—war, conflict, and headlines. But after spending just one week here, I can already see how much their perspective has changed.

The first thing they noticed was how quiet and peaceful everything is. During their visit, things were calm, allowing them to experience everyday life in Israel as it truly is. The neighborhood where we live is peaceful. My parents even told me, “If we didn’t know what we see on the news, we wouldn’t think there was a war.”

They also noticed the people. Every morning when we walk in the park, strangers greet us with a warm “Boker Tov,” which means “Good morning.” It’s such a simple gesture, yet it says so much about the friendliness and warmth of the people here.

Another thing that stood out to them is how much Israelis value life and health. Early in the morning, the parks are filled with people exercising—young adults, parents, and seniors staying active. My mom also noticed that many supermarket cashiers are elderly. She smiled and said that instead of simply staying at home, many continue working, staying active, and contributing to society.

They also saw Jews and Muslims working side by side in the same supermarket. It wasn’t something they expected, but it reflected the everyday reality they encountered during their visit. And of course, they couldn’t stop talking about the fruits and vegetables here—especially how huge they are!

When we visited Tel Aviv, they were amazed by the city’s skyline. The modern buildings, vibrant atmosphere, and beautiful Mediterranean coastline impressed them. While we were on the bus, they noticed many soldiers traveling alongside everyone else. As we passed the Kirya, Israel’s military headquarters, I explained its important role in the country’s defense. They found it fascinating that such an important place stands in the middle of a thriving city where people continue their daily routines—going to work, meeting friends, enjoying cafés, and raising families.

They were also impressed by Israel’s innovation. It’s remarkable that such a small country, with very limited natural resources, has become known as the “Start-Up Nation,” producing world-changing technologies and innovations that have benefited millions of people around the world.

They’ve only been here for one week, and there is still so much more for them to see and experience. I can’t wait to take them to more places, introduce them to more people, and let them continue discovering the Israel that so often goes unnoticed—not just the Israel people see in the headlines, but the Israel where millions of ordinary people live, work, raise families, build communities, and pray for peace every single day.

Sometimes, the best way to understand a country isn’t through the headlines—it’s by walking its streets, meeting its people, and experiencing it for yourself.

My hope is that these stories will help readers see Israel not only through the lens of conflict, but also through the everyday lives of the people who call it home.