By Cheryl Pine: The “Sabra” at Sixty-Myth or Reality?

With world Jewry joining Israel this year in celebrating Israel’s 60th anniversary, it is timely to take a look at the people of Israel today. The intensity of life in Israel is often discussed as a factor influencing the personality and character of Israelis who are depicted by some as brash, aggressive and stubborn. The ruggedness of the terrain, as well as the strategic difficulties of the Middle East-wars, terrorism, hostility and threats-are thought to account for a certain independence and toughness among Israelis. Yet, according to popular lore, native Israelis are given the term “Sabra,” which refers to a type of cactus fruit that is abundant in Israel and is prickly on the outside and sweet on the inside. This term suggests that while Israelis may have a rough demeanor, they possess good hearts, are warm and open, and maybe even sentimental, at times. Having recently returned from a two-week hiking and touring trip throughout Israel, I would like to offer my impressionistic observations of Israelis:

„X Upon registering online at the Hotel Cinema in Tel Aviv, I receive confirmation of my room request and a personal message assuring me “not to worry” because every effort will be made to fulfill my request for a quiet room. Not only do I receive a quiet room, but I am allowed to check in four hours early.

„X On Rothschild-the stylish, café-lined boulevard in Tel Aviv-couples and families stroll on Shabbat with babies and pets in tow with many babies being carried in baby pouches worn almost exclusively by the Dads.

„X As I embark on my morning walk on the Tel Aviv Beach, I pass a couple engaged in a heated conversation on the promenade. Upon my return, I see that they are saying goodbye to one another and the woman’s gently parting words to the man, apparently regarding another woman are, “…buy her flowers today.”

„X On a four-hour hike which I took to Ein Gedi Falls (just south of the Dead Sea), an intrepid park employee or volunteer frequently would pop up alongside the slippery rocks and uphill terrain to collect the stray papers and debris left by previous hikers.

„X Also at the Ein Gedi Falls, where several groups of boisterous middle school and high school groups were swimming, a few boys not more than 12 years of age, returned to pick up items of clothing that their classmates had unintentionally left behind, before they rejoin their classmates.

„X Beside a Henry Moore sculpture in front of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, an elderly couple who had just seen the Holocaust-themed move “The Counterfeiters” were engaged in intimate conversation before walking hand-in-hand towards a nearby bus stop.

„X At a downtown bus stop where the waiting people include students, professionals, young IDF (army) trainees, a young woman joyfully calls out “Abba” (Father), and steps away from her group of friends to chat with her Dad.

„X After a brief conversation about the Israeli artist Reuven Rubin with a collector at an established Tel Aviv art gallery, the collector offers to lead me on a tour of Tel Aviv on my next visit to Israel.

So, whether you are in Israel for the 60th anniversary celebration on May 8, 2008 or at another time soon, make the effort to enjoy both the people and the places of Israel; Israel is a country you will enjoy for its myths and its realities. For some ideas on travel to Israel, see www.goisrael.com/tourism