18Forty Podcast Mickey and Ortal Flaumenhaft: Diaspora Differences: Israelis Come to Teaneck [Israel & Diaspora 5/5]
Dec 10, 2024
Mickey Flaumenhaft, Director of Development at American Friends of Migdal Ohr and reservist in Gaza, teams up with his wife Ortal, a teacher for Bnei Akiva UK, to discuss their Jewish journey across three countries. They share insights on what factors guide decisions to leave Israel and how Judaism infuses daily life in Israeli culture. The couple reflects on the American Jewish community's bond with Israel since recent events and examines the emotional complexities of maintaining Jewish identity while living abroad.
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Ortal's Israeli Upbringing
- Ortal Flaumenhaft grew up in Israel with limited knowledge of the outside world, particularly American Jewry.
- She viewed leaving Israel as almost a sin.
Mickey's Identity Struggle
- Mickey Flaumenhaft, born in Israel to American parents, distanced himself from American culture during his childhood.
- He felt embarrassed by his parents' accented Hebrew and didn't want to be associated with the "Amerikaki" label.
Insider-Outsider Perspective
- Growing up with American parents in Israel, Mickey felt like an outsider.
- This experience gave him a unique perspective on cultural differences and how they shape our views.
