In a few weeks, I will be making the transition from Jerusalem to Charlotte, North Carolina—a city I’ve barely begun to explore, yet one I am gearing up to consider my new home.
### Understanding My Move
Leaving Israel can often be seen as a significant political statement, signifying regret, dissent, or a desire to flee. However, my decision is rooted in a sense of purpose rather than escape. I am not abandoning the complexities of life in Israel; instead, I am embracing a responsibility. This move is about ensuring that Israel remains a vibrant, significant part of Jewish life within an American community.
### The Role of the Charlotte Israel Center
This October, I will assume the position of founding director for the new Israel Center at the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte. Our mission will involve collaboration with local organizations, educators, and community leaders, as well as Israeli partners, to enhance existing connections and forge new ones. Our goal is to broaden opportunities for education and engagement around Israel.
Israel’s presence abroad often confronts individuals with difficult issues: ongoing conflicts, governmental actions, debates on campuses, and rising antisemitism, among others. When these matters are the sole lens through which people perceive Israel, the complexity of the country and the multitude of lives it encapsulates are reduced to mere arguments.
### Humanizing Israel Through Engagement
Israel is much more than its governmental actions; it represents the stories of families, businesses, and communities engaged in various activities from teaching and volunteering to grieving and dreaming. A simplified viewpoint fails to grasp the nation’s rich tapestry of solidarity and discord. Humanizing Israel means portraying it in its entirety, without diminishing its realities.
The relationship between the United States and Israel is continually evolving, shaped by political, diplomatic, and security factors. Nonetheless, the strength of this bond leans heavily on personal connections—on individuals who know each other, and communities that remain inquisitive about one another. Relationships strong enough to weather disagreements are crucial, especially for American Jewish communities.
### Nurturing a Meaningful Connection with Israel
For many, particularly younger Jews, Israel often becomes relevant only during crises or controversies, potentially alienating them from its cultural and historical significance. It is crucial to foster a mature relationship that embraces both affection and critique while allowing for honest dialogue. American Jews should not feel compelled to choose between uncritical advocacy and disengagement; they deserve the space to question and connect meaningfully.
My personal connection to Charlotte began during a brief professional visit in 2025, which unexpectedly turned into lasting affection for the community. I discovered a warm, engaged populace eager to deepen its relationship with Israel—beyond event-driven interactions. They sought a connection that transcends the news cycle, displaying a willingness to ask tough questions and listen sincerely to complex answers.
### Building Bridges, Not Barriers
The upcoming Charlotte Israel Center emerges from the legacy of Irving Bienstock, a Holocaust survivor and vital part of Charlotte’s Jewish community. His commitment to Jewish education and memory inspires my mission: to cultivate relationships with Israel and foster a strong Jewish identity for future generations.
Establishing the Center presents an opportunity to lean into existing efforts rather than create anew. There are many dedicated organizations, educators, and community members already engaged in invaluable work regarding Israel. My primary task is to listen, understand the community landscape, and build trust.
As we work to create deeper, more impactful relationships with Israel, it will become essential to develop educational initiatives that showcase the nation’s multifaceted nature, equipping community leaders and educators with practical tools for engagement. The impact of these initiatives will be measured not by who gets the credit, but by how well they enable individuals to understand and relate to Israel.
The work ahead is not merely political; it is personal—about nurturing family connections, histories, and lives. I am not leaving Israel behind; I am carrying it with me, ready to share its complexities honestly.