Every Israeli Abroad Is an Ambassador for Their Nation
As the world grows more hostile and travel becomes fraught with delays and uncertainty, every Israeli stepping onto foreign soil carries a weight far heavier than a suitcase. Whether at a crowded airport, a quiet hotel lobby, or a sunlit Mediterranean beach, each interaction is a chance to defend and elevate the name of Israel. This is not a choice but a sacred duty, as recent experiences in Crete made painfully clear.
The Weight of Representation in a Hostile World
I did not want to leave Israel. Not now, when the world seems to hate us. Not when flights are endlessly delayed and tomorrow is a question mark. Especially not to Greece, a country that deported its Jews to Auschwitz during World War II. On my last visit to Athens, the nearly empty Jewish Museum told a grim story: a once-thriving community of 75,000 Jews had been reduced to just 5,000.
But my American son was arriving in Crete to decompress from a tour of Poland and Auschwitz. So my husband and I met him there. On the plane, watching some younger Israelis cut lines and behave rudely, a truth struck me: we are all ambassadors. Whether we accept the role or not, every Israeli abroad represents our people and our homeland.
Graffiti and Encounters: Facing Hostility with Dignity
Crete's streets were scarred with anti-Israel slogans: F*** the IDF on an electrical box, F*** Zionists near the airport, Free Palestine across the road. In just 48 hours, I saw only three instances of graffiti, but the message was clear. Everywhere I went, I felt the weight of my identity as a representative of my people.
Israelis can be loud and boisterous, especially on vacation. But now more than ever, I felt compelled to rein it in. We walk a tourist tightrope, observed and judged as both tourists and Israelis. That means cleaning up after ourselves, showing good manners, and being polite even when others are not.
A Conversation That Changed Perspectives
My kippah-wearing husband and son were watching a sunset over the Mediterranean when a Danish gentleman approached. He asked where they were from. My husband answered: Israel.
“Some members of my family have big problems with what we are seeing on the news about Israel,” the tourist said. “We saw a story about a Palestinian family that had been living in their home for 45 years and got dragged out by the IDF. It seemed so tragic.”
My husband asked for context: Was the family in a legal habitat? Had a court ruled? The Danish man did not know. My son, a lawyer in the US, explained how different laws govern disputed residential habitats. Together, they showed that footage from advocacy groups with a specific agenda can be taken out of context. The man listened without anger.
Then he revealed that during the 1967 war, he was a medic in the Danish army. He had been so moved by his feelings for Israel that he was ready to come and help defend the country. The war ended quickly and victoriously, but he regretted never getting the chance.
“The television and social media are set-ups for bias,” my husband concluded. “I may not have convinced him to change his mind, but perhaps next time he watches TV, he might realize there is another side to the story.”
Human Connections Beyond the Headlines
Maria, a massage therapist at the Intercontinental Hotel, told me: “People in Greece respect our tourists. Crete goes dark in the winter, and we work hard to please people during the summer. I’ve met lots of Israelis, and we hear things about Israel. Meeting nice ones who talk to us helps us understand the situation better.”
She added, “I can’t imagine living with sirens and missiles. Running for shelter with my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter would be terrifying.”
Her words reminded me that behind every headline is a human being. And every Israeli traveler has the power to shape that human connection.
Two Revelations for Every Israeli Traveler
My short trip taught me two things. First, even in these uncertain times, every Israeli must understand the responsibility of carrying Israel’s message to the world. Second, travel allows us to learn, grow, and connect with people we would never meet otherwise. It pulls us far out of our comfort zones, but it also allows us to accomplish far more for ourselves and for Israel than we ever could from behind our keyboards.
As the psalmist wrote, “The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11). May we carry that strength and peace wherever we go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is every Israeli abroad considered an ambassador?
Because in a world where media bias and hostility often shape perceptions of Israel, every interaction a traveler has can either reinforce negative stereotypes or build bridges of understanding. Israelis are judged not just as tourists but as representatives of their nation.
How should Israeli travelers behave to counter negative perceptions?
They should practice good manners, clean up after themselves, be polite even when provoked, and engage in respectful conversations about Israel. These small acts can change minds and humanize the Israeli story.
What can Israeli travelers learn from encounters with foreigners?
Such encounters offer opportunities to correct misinformation, share personal stories, and build empathy. They also remind Israelis that most people are open-minded and willing to listen if approached with respect and facts.