An Immigration and Absorption Ministry campaign in the United States to convince expatriate Israelis to return has raised the ire of American Jewish groups.The campaign warns Israelis that if they continue to live in the United States, they or their children are likely to become assimilated.The drive began at the end of September with billboards in cities with large concentrations of Israelis, including New York, Los Angeles and Palo Alto. The messages included “Before Hanukkah turns into Christmas, it’s time to come back to Israel,” and “Before Abba turns into Daddy, it’s time to come back to Israel.”
The article neglected to mention that the video even implies marrying an American Jew could be problematic.
I am reminded of my work days with a social service agency in Berkeley, CA a few years ago, in a neighborhood quickly seeing an influx of immigrants from India and Pakistan. About equally divided between Hindus and Muslims. Living and working together. And they all said the same thing about why they were so happy to be in America — to be able to live happily and peacefully, side-by-side with their neighbors in a way that was impossible in their own countries.
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