Unconscious Biases Gained from Growing Up in Israel: Insights from a Secular Israeli's Perspective
Introduction
Living in a country where issues like antisemitism are often overshadowed by national pride and political conflicts, Israeli citizens, especially those without direct personal experiences of discrimination, can develop certain unconscious biases. These biases are often shaped by the unique cultural, religious, and social environment. In this article, we explore some of these biases through the lens of a secular Israeli individual, drawing on personal experiences and cultural insights.
Antisemitism: A Na?ve Perspective
The majority of Israelis, especially those in major cities like Tel Aviv, often lead lives without direct exposure to antisemitism. This can lead to a certain level of naivety regarding the severity and prevalence of the issue worldwide. In contrast to how many outside of Israel perceive the situation, the experience of growing up in Israel does not inherently expose one to the deep-seated fears and anxieties associated with being Jewish in many parts of the world.
Example: Consider the case of a secular Israeli visiting an American university. Despite the fact that the student is not religious and has little to no personal experience of direct antisemitism, the mere mention of Jewish communities in Europe or the concerns about the safety of Jews in certain regions around the world often receive a dismissive response. This reflects a bias of underestimating the real and often hidden dangers faced by Jews.
Christian Culture and Missionary Work
Another significant aspect of growing up in Israel is the relative lack of interaction with Christian culture and religious practices. This can lead to a certain level of naivety or misunderstanding when faced with missionary activities and the tactics used by religious organizations to spread their beliefs. In a predominantly secular society like much of Israel, exposure to Christian missionaries is rare, leading to an unexpected level of stigmatization and rejection of their attempts.
Example: When visiting a museum in London, a uniformed guard might request a sticker from the museum on one's bag, not just to ensure security but sometimes as a gesture originating from Christian-themed stickers. For an Israeli who has had little to no interaction with such practices, this can appear bizarre or even offensive. This incident highlights the cultural gap and the resulting bias that can arise from limited exposure to different cultural practices.
Challenges of Maintaining a Jewish and Kosher Lifestyle Outside of Israel
Maintaining a Jewish lifestyle outside of Israel, especially a strictly kosher diet, can be both expensive and challenging. This challenge is not just financial but also involves social and logistical barriers. The expectations and habits formed in Israel, where kosher options are ubiquitous and widely available, can make it difficult to adapt to different environments.
Example: As a secular Israeli, I have friends who spend extended periods in various countries, including the United States and Europe. The reliance on kosher food and adherence to Jewish customs often leads to higher expenses and more complicated arrangements. For instance, when traveling to the UK, the need to find and recognize kosher products can be tedious, and the perception of the cost of maintaining a kosher lifestyle might be very different from what one experiences in Israel.
Conclusion
Understanding these unconscious biases is crucial for individuals living in Israel to better navigate their interactions with the wider world. Awareness of these biases, informed by personal experiences and cultural insights, can help mitigate misunderstandings and foster greater empathy and mutual respect.
By sharing these insights, we hope to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and perspectives of Israeli culture, particularly in relation to issues like antisemitism, Christian missionary work, and maintaining a Jewish lifestyle.