Yesterday I volunteered at the elections in Las Vegas. I checked in voters. I smiled. I did my job.
Then a woman walked in wearing a white shawl draped over her shoulders — red and green stripes, very deliberate, very visible. Gaza colors. Hamas colors. And I had to check her in, smile, and send her off to vote.
I was born in Israel. I came to this country in 1985 at 15 years old with nothing but hope for a better life. I love America. That's why I was standing there volunteering my time — because I believe in this country.
But here's what that woman didn't know.
My family doesn't just live in Israel — they are woven into its very existence. My father was born there in 1940. My mother in 1944. They were born under British rule, before the State of Israel even existed. They lived through its founding. They built their lives there. My aunts and uncles did the same.
I have 13 cousins, most married, all with children of their own. My brother is there. His son. His wife.
In Israel, military service isn't a choice. Every man and every woman enters the IDF at 18. My parents' generation served. My aunts and uncles served. Every single one of my cousins has served. Some are active right now. Some are in the reserves, one phone call away from being deployed.
So when she walked in wearing those colors, she wasn't just making a fashion statement. To me, that scarf represents rockets, tunnels, and massacres. It represents October 7th. It represents people who want my entire family wiped off the map.
I couldn't say a word. I was on duty. So I just watched.
And then I come home and find out a man with a Nazi tattoo just won an election somewhere in the USA.
I still believe in democracy/people. I do. But today it cost me something to stand there in silence while my heart was 7,000 miles away.
I just needed to say that out loud.
@GigiKay84@ConceptualJames Yeah when a woman wearing a Kafiyeh that represents wiping my family off the map, my heart went there! But I did or said nothing because Physically I was helping Americans vote. Be nice!!! 🙏🏻
@Eligius4917@ihaveadreamanna At the time America was greater. Now that my roots are here and I’ve interacted with haters all day I regret my father’s decision!!!
@PauloEastvan@Shana613 PLO was started by Yassar Arafat. An Egyptian that called himself a Palestinian and created the mess they are in today. Don’t forget “Palestinians” voted Hamas into power. Dude wake up. You and Trump will realize soon you can’t have peace with terrorists!
@PauloEastvan@Shana613 We’ve been trying peace. Remember the two state solution then they came in on October 7 and proved that there’s no such thing! you cannot live next-door to people that want to kill you.
@PauloEastvan@Shana613 IDF only oppresses people that want to kill 🇮🇱. I respect your willingness to help people but when people show you who they are Israelis were taught to believe them and act accordingly! You are being naive Sir!
@joshuarolson It’s the other way around! and the fact that you as an American is coming at my point of view while I was working to serve other citizens is exactly my point!
@BlockdByCowards@pinhas27 I wasn’t talking to you! but here you go putting me down! Thanks for proving my point. You guys make personal attacks because you are clueless about what’s really going on! Stop projecting and go learn world history! ✌🏻
@TexasForTruths@pinhas27 I live and vote in the USA. Again your hate is confusing you and blocking your critical thinking. Since all you want to do is put me down and argue I’m done responding. Enjoy the rest of your hateful life in Texas! ✌🏻
@TexasForTruths@pinhas27 That’s right I support Israel that supports western civilization. You on the other hand are supporting Jihad that are using their money to destroy America and Israel! Seriously please learn some history, your hate is blinding you!
@saandpalestine2 They were born in Haifa and their first language is Hebrew! Since you missed your history lesson let me educate you! This coin says Palestina (land is Israel!)it existed the world still refuses to accept that!
Thank you for sharing your frustration and disappointment in what is happening in our beloved country. Millions of us feel it too. We see pockets of hate moving viciously through our cities and towns. We see other countries who we helped restore after World War II stab us in the back and not come to our aid when requested. Yes, we see those damnable shawls worn for spite by young people who haven't yet learned to make a living on their own. We have faith in the American spirit and her people who have risen to the occasion so many times when the outcome seemed glum. Better days are coming.
@TexasForTruths I handled it like a pro!!! You need to learn some history if you stand for TRUTH! Those colors represent wiping out Israel. Tell me how that is OK Mr. Texas?
@MissyMaltese You could have surrendered your mail in ballot and voted in person on the machine, which would’ve printed out a new ballot for you to put in the tabulator, to cast your vote. Which is what I recommend doing in the future. Thanks for voting! 🙏🏻🇺🇸