One people in different parts of the world

I don’t want to say good bye, it is too final; but I feel I need to say a few words since my time here in Milwaukee is coming to an end, whether I want to face it or not.

In early August, I will be home in Israel. I spent two years with you in Milwaukee; a part of me will always stay here, a part of you is going to Israel with me.

When I came here two years ago, I didn’t know at all what to expect. I thought I was coming to teach you about my beloved Israel and strengthen the connections between us.

I also said I was coming to learn from you. I had no idea what and how much I would learn.

When I first arrived, I couldn’t understand why you live here, or why Jews would choose to live anywhere else in the world but Israel. Now I find it hard to leave Jewish life here.

I feel more Jewish here then I ever felt in my life, and I love the feeling. I understand now what the Milwaukee Jewish community and American Jews have that is so meaningful.

I am happy to say that as I am going home, I don’t feel it is you and we any more; I feel we are one people, just living in different parts of the world.

I understand now that I came here to strengthen the Jewish people, and our sense of peoplehood, to strengthen the Milwaukee Jewish community — not just one of these but all of them because they are inseparable.

My love for Israel was and still is my best tool. I can point to at least one family I was successful with — my own.

We just rented a house in beautiful Moshav Shadmot Dvora, which is in Milwaukee’s partnership region in Israel, so I don’t have to leave you completely. I will stay connected and volunteer to strengthen and grow the circles of connection between us.

We are going back home feeling part of a wonderful people, and we are proud to be Jews in a way we have never been before.

I feel inspired and obligated to help my friends and the general Israeli society have that feeling, too. I want then to learn about our people, about you, and to feel part of the family of Jews.

I know that things that happen in Israel in both political and religious areas can be troubling to many American Jews, but I urge you not to exclude Israel from your lives even if you disagree with her decisions.

I believe that loving Israel should always be unconditional. Just like a parent loves or should love his child. Sometimes our children fail, but we still love them. If we love our children only when they make us proud in public, then this is not considered true love, but selfish love.

Loving our Jewish state no matter where one may live will create a sense of purpose and a sense of belonging.

I want to thank you all, for giving to me and my family this amazing experience that has changed our lives forever.

My personal email address is snaey0@gmail.com, I will be happy to hear from you and host you in Israel.

Paz, Amir, Ido, Noam, and Yoav

Paz Goldschmidt is the previous emissary from Israel to Milwaukee and director of the Israel Center of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.