“I made the executive decision to uproot all that I know, to move to the unknown. I love this country that is automatically tethered to my spirit. Without this place, how can ones heart beat?”
The Interviewee – Kielah Tiel Barton (Born 1989), Working in Risk and Fraud. I was born in New York. I hope to become a Teacher after graduating from University here (Tel Aviv). I also hope to find true love and complete peace within myself and this country (Israel).
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“Jews no, Hebrews are the only people throughout time that never had a place they could call theirs. Every other nation had a country they claimed as theirs by default because their people came from there. They never had to fight for a place to call home that the only true living God blessed us with. This is the home that every Hebrew can come to and feel connected to each other regardless of where in the world they started from. Our identity, heritage, and culture is one that came from this very soil. It is our duty to protect it and grow together within it sharing our thoughts and values. Our triumphs and failures. We as a people are one. It is extremely important to hold onto the Jewish state.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Of course. When I have children, like my elders I’ll pass down stories starting from our original. My children and the children of Israel need to know they are a loved nation. The only love that truly matters is from our creator. We are here to show the world why he chose us. To show our goodness and compassion. Most importantly to show our strength.”
Do you affiliate yourself with a specific denomination in Judaism? What is your view regarding the dominance of the Orthodox denomination in Israel religious establishment?
“No, I do not. My family is modern conservative so we follow all high holy days and keep shabbat but we’re pretty much living normally.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“I feel many things but I try not to go into politics.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“Nobody Owes you anything. The world itself runs differently than the bubble Israel created for itself. It is a mixing pot. To have respect for one’s culture is to give respect to one’s culture.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Of course. We are all related. Do not even need to be because it is a Jewish community. As humanitarians, if one is going to be called ‘The chosen people’ then it is our humanly right to help those in need even if that favor couldn’t be returned. We are a great people. We should lead by example.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“Yes and I made the executive decision to uproot all that I know, to move to the unknown. I love this country that is automatically tethered to my spirit. Without this place, how can ones heart beat?”
What was your best experience of Israeli culture in the past year (book, music, TV, movie, theater etc.)?
“Hmm, the festivals. Israel loves noise. It thrives on the sparkles, the music, the laughs and most importantly the people’s joy. This is a place where the emotions is what brings the nation alive. The love we have just bursting out and connecting through activities.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“I didn’t grow up within an orthodox community. The one I grew up in we do not call ourselves Jews. We call ourselves Hebrew Israelite. It is an amazing community. We connect through prayer, dance, food, and song. We uplift each other spirit to give all our love to our creator and our love for Israel.”
