"You're crazy", "Why?", "Why would you move to that hole?" "How does this relate back to your career in the US?" "You're f*****"- " You must be married to someone here". These are just a few of the reactions I've gotten over the past month when telling people I am going to be living in Sderot for the next year. These reactions range from Israelis living in Tel Aviv, kids from Sderot, my grandmother, Russian American parents in Boston, and even Canadian Birthright members. People's perception of Sderot is certainly skewed, and it often seems that they base it solely off of generalizations made about Israel, and the media. Most Israelis that I've talked to, have never even been to Sderot. It has become rather frustrationg defending this city's current status, and assuring them that I DO in fact feel safe, welcome, and at home here. In fact, I often feel more safe here in Sderot than I do when visiting Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. They are prepared for anything here, with a plan- bomb shelters everywhere, and alarm system for any situation. It sounds crazy when you say it out loud- but I knew what I was getting myself into when I made this decision. Even though I just moved here, sometimes it feels like I've lived here for years. Every time I a am at a supermarket, bus stop , or even just walking down the street- I see a familiar face: whether its a kid from camp, their parents, or the girl who sold me cheese at the supermarket. This close community, where literally everyone knows everyone, is something that I have never experienced before. I'm sure after living here your whole life it gets old, but for now- I am really enjoying it. I had a situation where I got deli meat at the supermarket and spoke broken Hebrew to the young girl working- later that day I received a message from my friend asking if I met this worker. The girl had told her friend she met an American at work, so she knew it must have been me...I'm beginning to feel like the local American celebrity (but not really). Two weeks ago the town council put on a "End of Summer Concert" at the soccer field located in the center town. The were able to bring two famous Israeli singers to perform- Lior Narkis & Avoir Melasa ( who I later got to meet !!). The entire city was there; from kids, parents, grandparents, and even dogs. It was so nice to see everyone together, and definitely nothing I have experienced before in Newton. At one point fireworks began to go off, and the entire crowd was in awe by the pretty colors and lights in the sky. Even though I myself have never experienced a Qassam rocket, I could feel the eeriness of the situation around me. All I could think about was how loud the BANGS & BOOMS of the fireworks were, and if they could potentially trigger an emotional response or traumatic memories for the people of Sderot. The crowd, however, did not seem phased whatsoever, or at least their faces did not show it. They were at peace. The past few weeks have been quite calm and relaxed here as the kids prepare for the start of the school year & simultaneously begin to get ready for another break for the holidays. I am excited to experience the holiday season here- where I plan to fully immerse myself in Rosh Hashana celebrations, keep fast on Yom Kippur, as well as participate in Sukkot. I have the option of going to my family in Tel Aviv for this time, however, I want to experience the culture and religious traditions here so I will probably stay. I never realized how easy I had it living in Newton. I could leave my house get into my car, drive to Dunkin Donuts, stop at a friends place, go to work for a few hours, then go to out to dinner. Here its not so easy...often times I have to walk across town( in 90 degree+ weather) or take the public bus with no stops for iced coffee on the way :( I took so much for granted before, and didn't really appreciate the little things I was given so easily. I ready for the challenge of living here, and for the true test of my character and strength. One of the hardest things to adjust to has been Friday/Saturdays where EVERYTHING is closed. Sderot is unique that the town makes no expections- and every business must remain closed until Shabbat is over. This is the time to really surround yourself with people you love, relax, rest, and read the newspaper ( I attempt to in Hebrew). I've had the honor of attending a few Shabbat dinners here with Moroccan families where I got the real full experience. It amazes me how open and welcoming the people here are. Most are very amused/consumed as to why I am here. "America is better?- You really like here ?"- they are astonished to hear me answer "yes- I really do". Stay tuned...
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AuthorYudit Bolotovsky- just a girl living in sderot ArchivesCategories |