The Samter Family: American Parents With Israeli Sons Fighting in Gaza [Divergence 2/4]
Apr 1, 2025
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Bayla and Yehuda Samter, who made Aliyah from the Five Towns, share their profound journey as parents of sons serving in the IDF, including Avi, who is in an elite unit. They discuss the emotional complexities of sending their children to fight in Gaza and Lebanon, navigating pride and fear. The conversation highlights the divergence in Jewish life between America and Israel, the challenges of maintaining friendships across cultures, and the deep sense of responsibility that comes with living in Israel.
The Samter family's aliyah experience highlights the emotional and physical challenges of adapting to a new life in Israel, particularly for their children serving in the IDF.
Their discussions illustrate the cultural divergence and personal transformations that result from living in Israel versus maintaining connections to American Jewish life.
The importance of community and family support is underscored as the Samters navigate the complexities of military service and their new identity in Israel.
Deep dives
Exploring Intergenerational Divergence
The podcast delves into the theme of intergenerational divergence, particularly between families that have settled in the United States versus those in Israel. The discussion highlights the profound differences that arise from living in distinct cultures, especially in terms of values, responsibilities, and family dynamics. For example, the speaker reflects on personal connections, sharing stories about a family member who gained fame in Israel after winning a reality show, contrasting the family's experience in America. This divergence emphasizes the challenges and opportunities that arise when families adapt to varying societal expectations and norms.
The Experience of Aliyah
The challenges faced by families making Aliyah are examined, particularly focusing on the emotional and physical toll of such a significant life change. The discussion taps into the experiences of families who have relocated to Israel and how their children integrate into a new society, often taking on roles in the Israel Defense Forces. The Samter family's decision to move prior to critical events illustrates the courage required to make such life-altering choices. Their journey demonstrates the complexities of blending family heritage with the demands of living in a new homeland.
The Courage of IDF Service
The podcast emphasizes the bravery demonstrated by the children of families living in Israel, particularly in the context of serving in the IDF. Personal anecdotes reveal the emotional weight and pride associated with sending children to protect the Jewish homeland amidst threats and violence. The Samters share experiences of connecting with their children as they navigate the realities of conflict, fostering a sense of purpose and dedication. This discussion sheds light on the unique challenges faced by families who must reconcile their sense of identity while their loved ones engage in active military service.
Cultural Adaptation in Israel
Cultural adaptation is a recurring theme, highlighting how families adjust to life in Israel after relocating from America. The Samters reflect on their experiences, discussing the importance of embracing local customs, language, and community ties. Their children showcase how they have navigated both American and Israeli identities, balancing their unique backgrounds while fostering relationships with peers from both cultures. This adaptability demonstrates the fluidity of identity and how engaging with diverse communities can enhance personal growth and understanding.
Maintaining Connections with American Friends
The podcast touches on the nuanced relationships that emerge between families in Israel and their American counterparts. There is acknowledgment of the challenges faced due to differing life choices, particularly when it comes to military service. The Samters discuss the empathy they feel towards friends who are not in their situation, as well as the difficulties of explaining their lived experiences to those who remain in America. This ongoing dialogue emphasizes the importance of understanding, support, and shared values despite geographical differences.
Family Bonds and Support Systems
The sense of community is a pivotal aspect of the Samter family's journey, as they navigate the complexities of life in Israel. The importance of family support, both immediate and extended, serves as a driving force that underscores their resilience. They reflect on how friendships, both in America and Israel, provide emotional sustenance and connection during challenging times. This theme illustrates that bonding through shared experiences, challenges, and values allows families to flourish, particularly in a new and demanding environment.
Our Intergenerational Divergence series is sponsored by our friends Sarala and Danny Turkel. This episode is sponsored by an anonymous friend who supports our mission.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Yehuda, Bayla, Elisha, and Avi Samter—members of a family that made aliyah from the comfortable Five Towns life a decade ago—about the divergence between Jewish life in America and in Israel.
Whether one serves in the IDF has become a major realm of bifurcation within the Jewish People, and it’s a gap that we often fail to bridge even within our own social circles. In this episode we discuss:
How does making aliyah and entering the army change prior friendships?
Why should every Jew imagine the possibility of living an elevated life defending the Jewish People in the Land of Israel?
What differentiates Five Towns Judaism from spirituality in the Land of Israel?
Tune in to hear a conversation about unifying “both sides” of the Jewish People.
Interview begins at 8:02. The Samter family made Aliyah from America and now have two sons serving in the Israel Defense Forces, fighting in the wars over the last 16 months in Gaza and Lebanon. References:
