It is not surprising that many Israelis need to experience the current state of the West and not just read about it. On the positive side, the Diaspora Jews will benefit from the sabras more offensive attitudes rather than defensive postures against antisemitism.
Good article, it’s easy to forget there is a positive outlook based in fact rather than hopeful fantasy. I appreciated the read and was a good share with friends of a more practical orientation rather than religious focus.
This rosy outlook will only be possible if the rapidly expanding charedi demographic abandons their “triple threat” lifestyle (avoidance of work, service and secular studies). Otherwise the country cannot survive.
And the only way to counter their obscene political influence is for large number of diaspora Jews to make Aliyah and vote in upcoming elections.
Israelis coming to Canada are incredibly naive and totally out of their depth. They are going from the frying pan directly into the fire, especially if settling in Toronto, but also in such communities as small as Saskatoon. They do not have the Jewish survival skills needed in the Diaspora, and are shocked and horrified there is deep Jew hatred in the open and supported by the Canadian government and most provincial governments, often by the issue being ignored, sneered at, or in fact openly supporting the vitriol. physical violence, threats of death, arson and vandalism. They go about their lives totally unaware of whose presence there is, and are stunned if thrown out of their Uber, physically attacked, or their children harassed in schools, for speaking Hebrew or wearing anything identifying themselves and Jews as well as Israelis. Wait until they realize Jews often are banned from Medical schools, Law schools, and from the Arts communities. Their dreams for their children may not be realized.
There is a series on Ted Talks where Hans Rosling explains the ubiquitous 50 year gap between impression and reality. Israelis lapse into an even older myth of the anglosphere as economic powerhouses of egalitarian opportunity.
You’ve described exactly how it feels here: “a postmodernist dystopia where Left-wing ideologues declare moral categories “social constructs,” Islamist immigrants are welcomed as though their imported medieval hatreds constitute some kind of cultural enrichment, and the unlovely Far-Right is dusting off its old regalia and polishing its jackboots.” (Had to 😂 at that). Reminds me of the line from the song “Stuck in the Middle” from the ‘70’s: “clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am, stuck in the middle with you!” Only it’s not a romantic meet-cute at a party, it’s a lonely, politically homeless desert! My husband is dusting off the luggage.
Your country is so wonderful. I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to live there.
It is not surprising that many Israelis need to experience the current state of the West and not just read about it. On the positive side, the Diaspora Jews will benefit from the sabras more offensive attitudes rather than defensive postures against antisemitism.
Good article, it’s easy to forget there is a positive outlook based in fact rather than hopeful fantasy. I appreciated the read and was a good share with friends of a more practical orientation rather than religious focus.
This rosy outlook will only be possible if the rapidly expanding charedi demographic abandons their “triple threat” lifestyle (avoidance of work, service and secular studies). Otherwise the country cannot survive.
And the only way to counter their obscene political influence is for large number of diaspora Jews to make Aliyah and vote in upcoming elections.
Israelis coming to Canada are incredibly naive and totally out of their depth. They are going from the frying pan directly into the fire, especially if settling in Toronto, but also in such communities as small as Saskatoon. They do not have the Jewish survival skills needed in the Diaspora, and are shocked and horrified there is deep Jew hatred in the open and supported by the Canadian government and most provincial governments, often by the issue being ignored, sneered at, or in fact openly supporting the vitriol. physical violence, threats of death, arson and vandalism. They go about their lives totally unaware of whose presence there is, and are stunned if thrown out of their Uber, physically attacked, or their children harassed in schools, for speaking Hebrew or wearing anything identifying themselves and Jews as well as Israelis. Wait until they realize Jews often are banned from Medical schools, Law schools, and from the Arts communities. Their dreams for their children may not be realized.
This is such a great uplifting article, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. I have always loved Israel, and I did live there in the 80’s.
There is a series on Ted Talks where Hans Rosling explains the ubiquitous 50 year gap between impression and reality. Israelis lapse into an even older myth of the anglosphere as economic powerhouses of egalitarian opportunity.
Thank you Joshua .. another addition to your well thought and executed pieces. Best to you for 2026.
You’ve described exactly how it feels here: “a postmodernist dystopia where Left-wing ideologues declare moral categories “social constructs,” Islamist immigrants are welcomed as though their imported medieval hatreds constitute some kind of cultural enrichment, and the unlovely Far-Right is dusting off its old regalia and polishing its jackboots.” (Had to 😂 at that). Reminds me of the line from the song “Stuck in the Middle” from the ‘70’s: “clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am, stuck in the middle with you!” Only it’s not a romantic meet-cute at a party, it’s a lonely, politically homeless desert! My husband is dusting off the luggage.
Suzy, are you in the UK ?