Our Desert
by Tali from Israel
My name is Tali, and I live in Israel. I have also lived for seven years in the United States, and, therefore, have a unique perspective on Israel's culture and its environment. With my perspective, I feel that I can see Israel from a more American viewpoint and give a better idea of how Israel is different and unique from the U.S.
I think that one of the things that makes Israel's environment so beautiful is the wide variety of landscapes it contains. I only moved to the desert about a year ago, and never knew how enchanting a desert could be. I love hiking in the desert because there is a feeling of isolation, as if you are the only one in the entire world.
What impressed me most about the culture when I first moved to Israel was the feeling of unity and mutual respect between the people. I think that the fact that life in Israel is very tense, the fact that we are in a constant state of war, and the fact that the majority of people are Jewish creates a certain bond between Israel's people. You feel as though you are making a difference, and that you have a say in the future of your country. I feel this way not only because Israel is a smaller country and because life is tense, but also because Israel is my country, my home. Like most people, I want to take care of my "home" to the best of my ability. I feel that by writing this article, I am having a positive impact and helping to improve my country.
Helping and making a difference is not only fighting in the wars and participating in politics; it is also doing the little things, like taking care of the environment, because these "little" things are what really make a big difference.