Anna

I've been an Israeli citizen for almost five years now. I've provided some questions and answers here; feel free to leave your own in the comments.

Have you changed your political views in the past five years?

Not really. Mind you, I've been tracking events in Israel since forever. I, like a lot of left-leaning Israelis, was sorely disillusioned by the events of the early 2000s. That, more than anything, is what led to the slow crumbling of the Israeli left. To sum up, when I arrived in Israel, I leaned left on social and economic issues and center-right on security and defense issues. That hasn't changed. Incidentally, my husband feels the same.

Do you think your move to Beersheva was a good idea?

Absolutely. As much as Jerusalem holds - will always hold - a special place in my heart, living there is just not in the cards. Beersheva has everything I need. And more than that, it just has an indescribable character that aligns with my soul. It's slightly scruffy, a pinch bohemian, somewhat intellectual, and very much neighborhood oriented. You know your neighbors. You help each other out. The climate suits me, too. Winters are mild, and the summer - well, it's a dry heat.

What's your biggest accomplishment since moving to Israel?

CELTA. It's two thirds of a bachelor degree. Now, I had roughly 4/5 of one before - but I didn't have a piece of paper, so that's open to interpretation. Right now I have a piece of paper saying that I've completed a foundation program, so if I choose to complete a bachelor degree, I have serious weight already.

Do you feel like you've created a "chosen family" in Israel?

Absolutely. Other than my close-knit and loving network of in-laws - there's Zahava and Shmuel in Jerusalem, my cousin Avi and his wife Shani in Netanya, Yehuda in Holon, and Robbie, Maya, Peter, Regev, and Esti here in Beersheva. I'm extremely lucky to have them in my life. The most important, of course, is my husband. Eyal and I chose each other.

Have your religious views changed?

Observance has definitely slipped, but I haven't lost my beliefs, nor my curiosity about Judaism. It's a lifelong study, and one that I still love.

Did anything surprise you about the Israeli social services as opposed to American?

I didn't have to fight. It took me about two months to get temporary disability once eligible, and when I became eligible for permanent disability, it only took a psychiatrist report and a neurologist report and that was it. It was easy to get a case manager and social worker. So that aspect was a very pleasant surprise.

Are you over your culture shock?

More or less. Now I help other olim by lending them my rude Israeli, who is very generous with his rudeness. And passing along what proteczia what I have. Paying it forward.

What do you miss about the States?

Mostly little things. The variety of food and drink in grocery stores. The ease of finding affordable clothes in my size. Grape jelly, Natural Ice sparkling water, Fresca, and English muffins.

What is an Israeli cultural trait that still amazes you?

The hospitality and warmth. People find out you're an olah and they wish you luck. One oleh I know had a neighbor bake him a cake to welcome him to the country. People invite you for coffee to commiserate, invite you to Shabbat, ask about your life. People care.

What is an Israeli cultural trait that still makes you cringe?

The driving. There's a lot of road rage, and Israeli drivers can be downright aggressive.

Favorite day in Israel?

So far, the Primate Sanctuary in Kfar Daniel. Monkeys FTW.

If I were traveling to Israel, what should I pack?

Sunscreen and good walking shoes.