The FOMO of Exile

For Jews in the diaspora, the current transformative events unfolding in Israel feel like the ultimate season finale of a drama they’ve binge-watched their whole lives. Yet, while Israelis are in the streets forging history, many diaspora Jews feel like they’re stuck with nosebleed seats – or worse, watching the highlight reel on social media. It’s a uniquely Jewish twist on FOMO, layered with millennia of exile and guilt thick enough to spread on a bagel.

From Jerusalem’s antiquity to Tel Aviv’s modernity, it’s clear that Israel is in the midst of a seismic societal shift. And while diaspora Jews around the world cheer from the sidelines, many are gripped by a bittersweet longing: Should I be there? Should I do more? For some, the feelings of disconnection are so strong they can practically hear their ancestors whispering, “This is what you were waiting for. Don’t screw it up.”

The Diaspora Dilemma

The Jewish diaspora is a diverse tapestry, from New York’s kosher delis to Buenos Aires’ tango-infused synagogues. But the shared sensation of being “outside looking in” ties them together. For many, the Israeli dream is not just a promise of homeland but an active, living reality – a drama as unpredictable as a Talmudic debate but just as compelling.

Yet life in exile is rarely simple. Jobs, mortgages, and the chaos of family life often make “dropping everything and making aliyah” sound like something only an impulsive 20-something could manage. Throw in existential questions about identity, spirituality, and whether it’s worth trading Macy’s for Shuk HaCarmel, and it’s no wonder so many diaspora Jews feel paralyzed.

‘Do You Even Protest, Bro?’

Part of the FOMO stems from watching Israelis embrace a vibrantly participatory democracy. Whether it’s massive street protests, late-night political debates, or start-ups promising to reinvent hummus (again), the intensity of Israeli life seems to demand your presence. Diaspora Jews watch as Israelis chant slogans and wave flags, wondering if cheering from Chicago or Melbourne counts for anything.

Even humor feels like a one-sided affair: Israelis tweet in Hebrew, their jokes sharpened by shared experiences. Diaspora Jews, stuck with Google Translate, are left laughing at the punchline two days late. As one Brooklyn-based Jewish influencer lamented, “By the time I understood the joke, they were already protesting something else.”

The Weight of 70 AD

Of course, this isn’t just about missing out on TikTok-worthy moments of history. Diaspora Jews live with the long shadow of exile that stretches back to 70 AD, when the destruction of the Second Temple launched one of history’s most resilient and dispersed communities.

The flip side of resilience, however, is entanglement. Jobs, kids, aging parents, and long-standing communities keep many tied to their current lives. There’s also the psychological weight of *galut* (exile): a persistent whisper that leaving now, after 2,000 years, is a bit like showing up late to your own party.

A Glimmer of Optimism

Just as Judaism thrives on dialogue and debate, there are countless ways to turn this FOMO into action. Diaspora Jews don’t need to buy a one-way ticket tomorrow to feel part of Israel’s unfolding revolution.

From virtual communities to creative partnerships with Israelis, there are ways to bridge the gap, even from afar. One can explore actionable solutions, from investing in Israeli technology to spearheading meaningful cultural exchanges. Whether it’s an app that connects Israelis with the global Jewish community or initiatives that bring Israeli and diaspora kids together, the possibilities are as endless as a Dead Sea scroll.

Maybe this is a chance to start brushing up on Hebrew slang — you’re going to need it. For now, though, just remember even Moses didn’t get to enter the Promised Land, and he turned out just fine.