ATLANTA, GA — As the Israeli government launches a dynamic campaign to lure expatriates back, many are conflicted as to which country they wish to call home. With a goal of 10,000 returnees by Israel's 60th anniversary this May, and double that each year hence, Israel is tempting its wayward citizens with tax breaks, loans, and job offers.
Israeli Expats Strengthen Jewish Identity in Diaspora
ATLANTA, GA — As the Israeli government launches a dynamic campaign to lure expatriates back, many are conflicted as to which country they wish to call home. With a goal of 10,000 returnees by Israel’s 60th anniversary this May, and double that each year hence, Israel is tempting its wayward citizens with tax breaks, loans, and job offers.
“I would never say no,” concedes Naftali Yair, “but I really don’t know.” Yair is originally from Jerusalem, but has had an Atlanta address for 21 years. His decision to return would be based heavily on economic considerations. And his wife’s willingness: she is American.
But even though their geographic allegiance may be conflicted, many of the 450,000 currently in the States have found a different kind of home. Secular Israelis often discover religion, oddly enough, only after leaving the country.
“In Israel,” says Dr. Sorin Vainer, “religion and politics are intertwined.” Vainer, who has been practicing medicine in Atlanta for almost two decades, opened up to religious life only on these shores. “Here they [rabbis] are more approachable,” he says, “Chabad makes you feel welcome.”
Yair considers another factor for Jewish expats: “In Israel, we all felt Jewish doing nothing. Here you need to do something to feel Jewish, whether it’s synagogue, community, or JCC.”
