Every day, Israelis arrive in our communities to build connections and strengthen our Jewish tribe. Faced with a new environment and culture, many find they the personal and social support needed for their own journeys. The result in a loss of personal identity and a struggle to find purpose and belonging in their new surroundings.

This personal struggle situation can lead to decreased mental well-being, intensified feelings of isolation, and loneliness due to a lack of connection. Without a supportive network to bridge the cultural gap, Israelis can face challenges forming meaningful connections and fully engaging in community activities. This isolation often breeds resentment and negative feelings toward American Jewish culture, and the rejection of its values and customs.

As a result of this isolation, Israelis gravitate toward familiar cultural practices, forming their own support network with their Israeli peers and limiting interaction with the broader community.

Integrating Israelis into Jewish summer camps as the cultural influencers they are, poses a unique challenge and requires a proactive "Boots on the Ground" support approach. This system must prioritize their personal and emotional needs for success. Without personal support many experience cultural displacement, feeling alienated, stereotypes, misconceptions, and communication challenges. The result is an increase in isolation and loneliness.

Their deep ties to Israel are often misunderstood, the regional politics marginalized by their North American peers, and influenced by media there is a sense that the State of Israel and being Jewish are not connected. This creates a “them vs. us” mentality that is difficult to overcome.

Phrases like "He’s so Israeli!" underscore the misinterpretation of Israeli humor, communication style, and directness. This can lead to friction with American peers who perceive them as rude, hindering acceptance and integration. Language differences, including slang and accents, further complicate integration.

Israeli staff at camp can grapple with loneliness, yearning for the strong sense of belonging they experience in Israel. While camps prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in staff training, Israeli staff can feel their own identity marginalized. One staff member expresses the desire for acknowledgment of their unique challenges, saying, "Could American Jews acknowledge the privilege of having a Jewish State that they didn’t fight or risk their lives for?" Another adds, "Or acknowledge that we give up 3 years of our lives to defend and serve. I don’t expect them to thank me, but instead I feel like I’m looked down upon and treated as weird for just being Israeli."

Many Israeli staff struggle with their limited ability to solve problems independently after their experiences in the Israeli army. An Israeli counselor explains how, as a company commander, he was responsible for the welfare, health, and safety of 250 soldiers, knowing their stories, backgrounds, and "issues." However, at camp, he was entrusted with minimal responsibilities and decision-making authority.

The cornerstone of building bridges of connection is the Jewish value of mutual responsibility, requiring a dual proactive approach.

Crucially, American Jewish culture can not overshadow Israeli culture; rather, it should be a genuine process of mutual respect and learning. As an Israeli, understanding Jewish life outside of Israel can be challenging. Living in Israel means not having to deliberate what it means to be Jewish, while living outside of Israel necessitates acknowledging the State of Israel as a place with real people facing real challenges. Bridging these cultural gaps through belonging, warmth and care regarding their personal experiences is what creates a connected Jewish tribe.

By encouraging Israelis to weave the State of Israel’s narrative into personal stories, we allow them to to humanizes their journeys, fostering relationships meant to endure for generations and a stronger, united community.