New Jewish-Israeli Identity Forged in Four Years at Kfar Nahal Hayarden
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Author Shalom Ashkenazi reflects on four years at Kfar Nahal Hayarden, where he developed a more complex understanding of Jewish-Israeli identity beyond societal divisions. He learned that individuals can hold strong beliefs while respecting differing viewpoints, a concept he sees as central to the village's ethos. This experience has reshaped his view of Zionism towards connection and mutual responsibility, fostering a society that embraces diversity and partnership even amid disagreements.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Author Shalom Ashkenazi spent four years at Kfar Nahal Hayarden, transforming his view of Israeli identity.
- He previously saw Israeli society as strictly divided but now believes in holding firm beliefs while respecting others.
- Kfar Nahal Hayarden is described as a microcosm where focus shifts from politics to mutual support.
- Ashkenazi views the evolving Israeli identity as complex, embracing diversity and partnership.
- He suggests modern Zionism should prioritize connection, responsibility, and mutual guarantee.
- The core lesson learned is that agreement is not necessary for unity, but remembering shared belonging is.
After four years working at Kfar Nahal Hayarden, the author reflects on a transformed understanding of Israeli identity, moving beyond a dichotomous view of society. Previously seeing Israelis as strictly divided into opposing camps, left versus right, religious versus secular, rich versus poor, he now believes individuals can hold firm beliefs while still respecting and engaging with those who differ. This shift, he explains, is exemplified by the community at Kfar Nahal Hayarden, where people are not forced to choose between their various identities.
Ashkenazi describes the village as a microcosm of Israeli society, where the focus shifts from political stances or affiliations to contributions and mutual support. He argues that this environment dismantles the barriers people erect between themselves, fostering a sense of belonging. The experience has reshaped his perspective on Zionism, suggesting that the current generation's Zionism should emphasize connection, responsibility, and mutual guarantee, embracing diversity as a strength rather than a threat.
He posits that the evolving Jewish-Israeli identity is one of complexity and maturity, allowing individuals to be both Jewish and Israeli, religious and open-minded, right-wing and sensitive to others, and Zionist while believing in partnership. This new identity, he concludes, does not erase differences but learns to live with them, enabling partnership even amidst disagreement. The author notes that during the recent war, the community readily answered calls for help, and now they feel a sense of pride in leading and carrying the national flag forward with the entire country.