On the eve of my second birthday in Israel, I’ve realized that tomorrow will be my first birthday ever that will occur on either a school or work day (last year, my birthday fell on Shabbat). Around me in Jerusalem, I see no signs of midnight celebrations or champagne toasts that we were all so accustomed to growing up — and no lingering Christmas decorations, the smell of pine and holly still fresh from the week before’s festivities. That is, of course, excluding the hummus eateries in the old city of Yaffo, which are still boasting giant blow-up Santa figures and fake-snowing plastic trees, an oddity and even wonder to an Israeli eye but a mundane lawn decoration to a family in New Jersey.
It is this time of year that I truly see — and even embrace — the differences between the two cultures, the two nationalities of which I am a part, and I remember how lucky I am to have this opportunity, to be able to be a citizen of two different worlds and still love both. As my boyfriend Ravid pointed out, in the just over one-and-a-half years I’ve been here, I have been able to accomplish much more than I expected, and have immersed myself in exciting work and cultivated lasting relationships. But even still, I have not foregone the old, and am grateful to Skype and Google Chat for maintaining my American friendships and family bonds. Though I am the first to admit that there are some people I with whom I’d like to keep in much better touch.
I really hope that 2012 proves to be an amazing year as well, an exciting beginning to the 28th year of my life (that’s what happens when you turn 27, technically) in which I hope there will continue to be mostly happy times to share. And to Israel: despite my occasional — or not so occasional — digs at the ridiculousness of your bureaucracy, transportation system and quirky mannerisms, I thank you for making me still feel welcome in my now not-so-new home.
Happy New Year!
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