Every Israeli abroad is an ambassador: A call for mindful conduct

The author, Judith Segaloff, found herself in Crete, Greece, grappling with a reluctance to leave Israel during a time of global animosity. Her journey, ironically, began with a flight filled with Israelis, some of whom exhibited behavior she deemed rude, prompting a stark realization: "No matter where we travel... each and every one of us is a representative - and it is important to be aware of it."

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No matter where we travel, whether or not we are “identifiably” Israeli or Jewish, whether we accept the job or not, each and every one of us is a representative - and it is important to be aware of it.

Segaloff's experience in Crete was punctuated by reminders of her identity. Graffiti such as "F*** the IDF" and "F*** Zionists" appeared on electrical boxes and billboards, while "Free Palestine" messages were prevalent. Despite these instances, she felt a heightened awareness of being observed and judged, not just as a tourist but specifically as an Israeli. "I was reminded of my identity everywhere I went and with everyone I spoke to, as a representative of my people," she wrote.

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I was reminded of my identity everywhere I went and with everyone I spoke to, as a representative of my people.

She acknowledges that Israelis can be "raucous, outspoken, and loud," particularly on vacation. However, she stresses the increased need for self-restraint and mindful conduct. The "tourist tightrope" requires Israelis to be acutely aware that their actions are scrutinized. This awareness extends to basic courtesies: "That means even if you don’t do it at home, put garbage in the bin, clean up after yourself, and exercise good manners everywhere and with everyone - even when people seem impolite to us."

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That means even if you don’t do it at home, put garbage in the bin, clean up after yourself, and exercise good manners everywhere and with everyone - even when people seem impolite to us.

An encounter with a Danish tourist underscored the challenges. When asked about his origin, Segaloff's husband identified himself as Israeli. The tourist then shared his family's distress over news reports, specifically mentioning a story about a Palestinian family allegedly removed from their home by the IDF. This interaction highlights the complex conversations Israelis abroad may face, where personal identity intersects with international perceptions of their country's actions.

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Some members of my family have big problems with what we are seeing on the news about Israel... We saw a story about a Palestinian family that had been living in their home for 45 years and got dragged out of their house by the IDF. It seemed so tragic.