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American Jews Through Israeli Eyes:
A Traveler's Report on Some Current Attitudes
- Abstract
“Why don’t you stay in Israel? Why didn’t more Americans come to fight? Why don’t you send us more money? What are you American Jews like anyway?”
Almost as soon as the plane landed at Lydda airport I was in the midst of this argument, and the discussion continued until I walked past the customs barrier on the night of my departure.
Mine was not an isolated experience. Every fellow tourist from America had comparable tales to relate. Perhaps we brought much of the discussion upon ourselves. We were all rather pathetically eager to hear a word of commendation for our past efforts and to feel an acceptance of our continued role as partners in the building of Israel. Possibly we forced the Israelis to think about American Jews more than is usual—though even without the stimulus of tourists it is clear that we are very much on Israel’s mind.
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