I’m not sure if this is the right community for this question, but it says “no stupid question” so here goes. I’m an Israeli who now lives in the US, but I am considering permanently residing in the US or elsewhere (perhaps somewhere in Europe or Canada) because I’ve become kinda disillusioned with Israel for a variety of reasons (the war in Gaza being one of them, the erosion of democracy by Likud being another, and etc) but is that cowardly to leave? Should I go back and try to change society or should I just leave for good? Thanks for your time.

  • Tiger Jerusalem
    118•1 year ago

    I’ll go against the grain and give you a straight answer.

    Yes. You should leave Israel and never go back.

    You owe nothing to your country. If you have the possibility to live in a good European country, do it. You’re no martyr. You’re not billionaire rich. And unless you’re a really high rank offcial, an important politician, or want to sacrifice your entire life to a cause, you have no reason to waste your short life in pain.

    We’re in a silly blue rock between a billion trillion systems, none of which care about you. Your existence is not even a blimp in the context of the universe. You’re not important at all. So why waste and suffer on behalf of a thing you have absolutely no control? Be happy, be comfortable, and make those around you happy and comfortable.

    Life is pretty hard already, there’s no need to make it harder. Go and be happy.

    Quick addendum: I’m not saying that because its Israel. I’m saying that in the context of any country. You owe nothing to it, a piece of land that you manage to be birthed on by being really lucky or unlucky. If you can rectify that and move to a better country to you, you should do it instead of suffering.

      • Orbituary
        16•1 year ago

        To add to their point, I live in the USA. I speak 4 languages. My girlfriend is Mexican and has dual citizen status in Mexico and Chile. The US is fucked, but not in the same ways exactly. That being said, I’m ashamed of our behavior every day.

        The USA is not a moral northstar nor is it a place to aspire to live unless you’re in dire straights.

        We plan to move to Chile at some point. I can maintain my US job.

        Fuck false loyalty to nationality. Live for yourself and your loved ones. Everything else is farse. Life has no borders.