I am often asked by my friends why I moved to Israel and more recently, what I think about the current political climate. These inquiries are usually made at loud restaurants or house parties in Tel Aviv where thoughtful discussion is a challenge. I usually respond with simple platitudes just to move the conversation along to a lighter topic.
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After making aliyah a little over three years ago with my Israeli wife and three young children, I still consider myself to be an outsider, but I do have some insider thoughts now that I am living well within the hornet's nest. So to all who have asked me these questions – here goes:
I had been living in Manhattan for nearly twenty years and was ready for a change. I was also frustrated with the state of American politics and came to the realization that while we all speak English, that's where the similarities ended with many of my countrymen. Spending my summers in Israel as a kid, I knew it was a great environment for children – which brings me to the top of the list – mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces.
Unlike the United States where military service is voluntary, upon graduation from high school both Israeli men and women are required to enlist. Service in the IDF is a rite of passage. While some consider this to be a chore, most look forward to their service. I think it's a gift. Where else does an eighteen-year-old get state of the art cyber training or have the responsibility of a no-fail mission?
While I was in college drinking beer and occasionally attending class, my Israeli friends were either manning surface to air missile batteries or carrying M-16s on patrol in the Gaza Strip. What an amazing opportunity afforded to young adults where no matter their upbringing or socioeconomic class, they are forced to live among their peers and get along.
Not only that – they are given tremendous responsibility and options to learn skills that many around the world can only dream of and pay for – and all in the name of protection of the Jewish state. What a springboard for the rest of your life! Just ask Dan Senor and Saul Singer, the authors of "Start-up Nation" what they think the secret sauce is for why Israel dominates the high-tech sector of the NY stock exchange.
I was always jealous of my Israeli friends' service and friendships acquired during that time. While I can't turn back the clock, at least I can provide this priceless opportunity for my children. And the fact that service is mandatory is just icing on the cake – a no brainer – no convincing necessary – it's something every Israeli child just knows they need to do.
Now to answer the second question – simply put, this is not what I signed up for. I moved to Israel to escape the polarization now endemic to American politics and society. For many years, I read cynical essays about the future of Israel and the concerns of secular Israelis regarding the increasing political power of the ultra right-wing religious parties.
And it just so happens that I made aliyah at the inflection point. When recently discussing the current state of affairs, I overheard one friend, and former fighter pilot, state that he was looking for a farm in Italy. While pessimism and black humor are national sports in Israel, I, perhaps, am still in the honeymoon period. I have no choice but to be optimistic. I just moved here!
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But I can tell you this – if what they say is true – that if these reforms pass in the near term and Israel transitions from a democracy to a theocracy in the long term – then I'm out. Paying higher taxes now is one thing, but sending my children to fight and possibly die for religious zealots and nationalists who want to dictate how I live my life as well as continue to fan the flames of conflict – is a whole different ball game. No thank you.
Secular Jews are the bedrock of Israeli society – for without which there would be no State of Israel. There would be no workforce. There would be no military. And yes, there would be no democracy.
We still have time to right the ship, but the clock is ticking. My kids aren't getting any younger, yet there is nothing more that I want then to see them serve in the armed forces as the fourth generation of Singers to do so – this time wearing an IDF uniform. But should the ship continue to list – then Tuscany here I come.
