I’m finally back in Israel after my 5-hour-flight to Singapore, 3-hour layover, 13-hour-flight to Frankfurt, 10-hour layover, and 4-hour-flight to Israel. At least physically speaking. My brain should be here any day now.
As usual, my flights provided me with a blogworthy anecdote, which I think aptly demonstrates why people refer to native Israelis as sabras.
When I was able to check-in at the El-Al counter in Frankfurt, I was subjected to the usual tough questions by an equally tough Israeli security man. You know the drill. Where do you live in Israel? Did you pack everything yourself? Have all your belongings been with you the whole time? Did anyone give you anything to take with you? Do you have any weapons? After answering the questions, I went to the counter to check-in. After checking in, the woman at the counter asked me “Are you hungry?” (“heck, yeah”), and proceeded to give me a sufgniya (jelly donut eaten on Chanukah)!
That’s Israeli for you. Being tough, and doing what is needed to safeguard the security of its citizens, yet being thoughtful and sweet where possible.
