...and some Jews pay rent, cause the city's not free! Oh, Jewish folk songs...
Just got home from the Salute to Israel parade, also known as the sea of blue and white that flooded Fifth Avenue today. There were babies in strollers with Israeli flag bibs, Hebrew schools, synagogues, youth groups, and a truly impressive amount of college students. NYU had easily 30 people marching this afternoon to represent our Hillel (even if we didn't have matching tee shirts, whoops), alongside at least 10 other colleges; I was so incredibly proud.
We waved Israeli flags, cheered with an uncharacteristic amount of school spirit whenever it was announced that we were from NYU, and walked together in the sunshine. I have not felt as awed and blessed and excited by my Judaism since I was in Israel...it is moments like this afternoon that cement my need to be in New York, to be in this huge, crazy, vibrant community, to joyfully lead a Jewish life as fully as I can.
There were ultra-Orthodox Jews protesting the parade, too. They're there every year, with their signs and their black hats, protesting the existence of a Jewish state because the messiah hasn't arrived yet.
To most people, their presence is upsetting: one group of girls from NYU cheered and clapped and chanted "Am Yisrael Chai" even louder than usual as we walked by the protesters' spot in the shade at the south end of Central Park.
But I don't mind the protesters. In fact, I was oddly glad that they were there...whatever our reasons, the parade had brought all of the Jews in the area together. We disagree about so much (too much, sometimes, I think), but, regardless of our personal beliefs or points of view, we're all Jews. So, sure, there was tension today as we passed each other at the parade, but at least we were all in the same place for (more or less) the same cause.
Of course, it'd be nicer if we could all get along...but, then, if everyone was the same, our world would be ridiculously boring.
Amsterdam, Disney Land, Tel Aviv,
Oh, they're miles apart
But when we light the candles on Sabbath eve,
We share in the prayer in each one of our hearts
