Israel, You are My Peace

They call me Amitzah like it’s my name. Ha. They should have seen me two days before coming to Israel. I was crying like I meant it: I was so scared. I knew one word in Hebrew and zero persons in particular. All the articles I read about Israel just highlighted what kind of  dangerous enemies surround it. I felt like I was going to a never ending war zone. I took a deep breath, and quit my job. And everything else. I had no choice. I had to try. I read “Startup Nation” twice and I came here to check whether what’s written in it is true or it’s just overselling. I did the math. Well, everything is even better.

Back in my country I was working as a technology transfer specialist and studying  Diplomacy & International Relations. These two things brought me here. You see, I want to combine everything I love so I don’t have to work anymore. Smart, huh? Indeed.

Anyway, I want to be true to you. I didn’t expect that. I’m very happy in Israel. This is why I’m writing this Op-Ed. I want to share my happiness with you. Don’t be scared coming here. It’s going to be the best your decision so far.

Just look at me! I embrace my inner crazy here in Israel. I do not always go hiking for the first time in my life, but when I do, I go hiking near the Blue Line and Hezbollah settlements for 4 days. Baking Challah with the local women because one of the husbands was ill; standing still for 2 minutes on the 5th of May and remembering 23169 fallen soldiers with all these complete strangers but feeling like they are a part of some kind of family. This sense of unity and integrity, sense of belonging and sense of a meaning. It makes me question things. Everything I believed in. This place is magical, wonderful. Local people are extremely nice to me. Nothing fake. This cordiality amazes me every single time. My inner rebel found peace in Israel. Today I know for sure: Israel and I, we will always be ‘Unfinished Business’. You’re my peace wherever I’ll be.