As we approach the elections in both Israel and the United States, a critical question emerges: instead of focusing on divisions, how can we foster unity?
The Journey of Citizenship
My background is deeply rooted in Canada, where I spent my early years, met my American husband in Israel, and began our family. After raising five children in Toronto, we relocated to the United States, where I became a green card holder while my children received dual citizenship. At first, I was eager to gain American citizenship. I ordered the necessary forms and began studying diligently, imagining a future filled with possibilities. However, our move to the Washington, DC area changed my perspective on becoming an American—I found myself hesitating.
It’s not that I oppose the idea of American citizenship. It’s highly valued and sought after by individuals risking their lives for the chance. As a close friend of mine once remarked, “As a Jew, you can never have too many passports.” Her father survived the Holocaust largely due to his US citizenship. Despite this acknowledgment, my excitement about becoming American dimmed.
Understanding Political Affiliation
Living in Washington as a Jewish educator exposed me to diverse political opinions. I engaged in Torah discussions with individuals from both sides of the political spectrum—Republicans and Democrats alike. When elections approached, the inevitable question arose: “Who are you voting for?” My answer was simple but often surprising: “I can’t vote; I’m Canadian.”
This neutrality was refreshing, especially as discussions about politics and religion can be fraught. I found comfort in focusing on spiritual matters while avoiding potentially divisive political conversations. However, my husband was quite passionate about me obtaining American citizenship. He raised concerns about the repercussions of not being a citizen, highlighting the possibility of deportation if I were ever accused of a crime.
For the sake of marital harmony, I agreed to pursue citizenship. I studied hard, took the test, and became an official American—complete with a driver’s license that required me to choose a political party affiliation. Coming from Canada, where such declarations were unnecessary, I felt boxed in. I opted to register as an independent, refusing to align myself strictly with one party or the other.
Lessons from Two Nations
In Canada, voting was always emphasized in our household. My parents illustrated democracy beautifully, sporting campaign signs from two different parties on our front lawn. Regardless of the political landscape, my family instilled a sense of responsibility in me: if you don’t vote, you lose the right to voice your opinions.
As our children grew, we instilled similar values, encouraging them to engage with political processes and voice their beliefs as soon as they were eligible. Yet my own political reticence persisted. I was reluctant to share my views for fear that aligning with a particular side might alienate students who held differing opinions on Torah teachings. Political affiliations can overshadow educational dialogues, reducing individuals to mere labels.
Today, I adopt a stance that transcends traditional political divisions. I reject being categorized strictly as left or right; instead, I prefer to say I’m “up.” My views may lean left on social issues while appearing right on others. I believe in supporting what is right, regardless of which political camp proposes it.
Finding Common Ground
In Israel, discussions around politics and religion are inevitable—everyone has an opinion. This can often lead to divisiveness and baseless hatred, known as *sinat chinam*, which historically contributed to communal strife. This alarming trend poses a significant threat to our future.
Unity does not mean uniformity; our differences can coexist beautifully. The challenge lies in embracing that diversity, recognizing the humanity and goodness in those with whom we disagree. As we approach the polls in both nations, let’s vote with intention, not to defeat but to build a better future together. Whether we identify as religious or secular, conservative or progressive, we can remain a family—united in our shared goals and aspirations.