Tuesday night, I experienced a feeling of longing to be a witness to this new chapter of history.
By SHOSHANA FRIEDMANolah chicago(photo credit: )
Tuesday night, as I tried to keep my eyes open in anticipation of US election results, I experienced a feeling of longing to be a witness to this new chapter of history. Having made aliya a little over a year ago from Chicago, last night's presidential results brought up rare feelings of national pride for the country where I used to live. Sitting in my apartment in Tel Aviv watching the excitement unfold was certainly not the same as being in Grant Park with all the other energetic Obama supporters.
The majority of my friends and acquaintances back home were either present at Obama's victory rally or had volunteered for the campaign. As these friends exclaimed to me how they would remember this moment forever, I was a bit dismayed knowing that I was missing out on this historic point in time. I wanted to be able to recall where I was that night in US history when a black president was elected and the country changed forever.
I spoke with one of my friends from Chicago Wednesday afternoon and all she could say was how emotional the whole experience had been. People were crying tears of joy and relief because their candidate had been elected president of the United States. I was told there were celebrations in the streets and a general feeling of euphoria as Chicago's diverse communities stood side by side to share in the happiness and excitement. People of all nationalities, ethnicities and backgrounds were united in one cause and in their belief in this one man.
Feeling that the United States is on the cusp of something so drastic makes me curious to actually be there and to feel the difference in the air.
As I continued speaking to my friend, her tone suddenly changed as she asked in all seriousness, "Wait, how is Israel feeling about Obama?"
I contemplated that question for a moment, because to me, Israel didn't feel any different, certainly not like how Chicago must be feeling. There has been a lot of coverage of the election here, but how the whole country was feeling, I couldn't really tell her.
When I walked into work Wednesday morning, I received a couple of mazel tovs on the new president from Israeli co-workers, as if I had personally succeeded in ushering this change into the world. I accepted them with a smile and a nod, because even though I am in Israel, I do feel connected to such a proud moment that took place in my hometown.
