Strong connections are being forged as parents across the country share the time-honored ritual of helping their children pack for college. Joining this rite of passage, Fairhope residents Shaul and Joy Antar are also helping their daughter gather items she’ll need for her journey, but instead of packing sundresses and sandals for sorority rush, Simcha will be packing only her basic necessities as she reports for duty in the Israeli Army.

The 2012 graduate of Fairhope High School is now 21 years old and was born and raised in small town Alabama, but because her father was born in Israel, Simcha also holds dual citizenship between his homeland and the United States.

By law, Israeli students are required to serve two years in the Israeli Defense Force upon the completion of high school, but because she was born in the U.S.A., Simcha had a choice.

For this young lady, the choice was clear. The friendly girl with a gentle smile enrolled in a military unit designed for Jewish foreign students who wish to aid Israel.

Why she would want to put herself in a dangerous position is what many people, including her own father, wondered. Although supportive, he naturally questioned why she would return to the very place he felt compelled to leave.

The answer is a loyalty to land, family and culture that can never completely be put into words. “I’ve always felt a connection to Israel and love it there,” said the young woman with a soft hint of an Alabama accent.

Simcha grew up visiting her father’s eleven siblings and their families in Tel Aviv every few years, and the contrast between Alabama and Israel was understandably striking. The young girl was taken with the traditions and history of the place, and upon her high school graduation decided to participate in the “Young Judea” program, which teaches Jewish-American students about their heritage by immersing them in different cities, classes and volunteer opportunities throughout the country. Intensive Hebrew classes followed, and throughout this time, Simcha grew to love this ancient land even more. Making good friends in Israel solidified her decision to return for a stint in the military.

Although Israel has been the scene of fierce conflict, no one could have known the recent war between Hamas and Israel would erupt at precisely the time the young Alabamian was to report for duty.  Simcha thought for a moment, “While I was visiting Tel Aviv many years ago, there was active conflict with Lebanon, but no one was really worried, and we carried on as usual, but this time, things are different and much more serious.”

Simcha said that although most images of Israel depict destruction and the arid areas, people would be surprised at the lush landscape. “It’s actually a beautiful place on the Mediterranean with many green areas and isn’t totally a dry desert.”

The Antars are supportive and proud of their daughter, who was a member of the National Honor Society and Art Club at F.H.S., but naturally worry about her safety.  Simcha thought for a moment and said, “They are glad I have so many family members there, and trust that I’m doing the right thing.  It was a decision I thought about for a very long time.”  Looking to the future, Simcha added, “After my military service is complete, my plans are to remain in Israel and enroll as a student at Tel Aviv University to possibly study pharmacy.”

When asked if she will miss Southern cooking, Simcha laughed, “Well, since my Mother is originally from New York, I didn’t grow up eating a lot of grits, but yes, I’ll miss many of the dishes, but I’ll especially miss my favorite Mexican food, which you can’t find at all in Israel.”

The other things Simcha will miss in addition to her parents and younger brother, are walks along Mobile Bay, shopping with friends, and the beautiful downtown Christmas lights.

And when a nice Jewish soldier in the Israeli Army closes her eyes at night and dreams of the Christmas lights in South Alabama, you know we really do live in a world of strong connections.

Leslie Anne Harrison also writes the blog, Fairhope Supply Co. www.fairhopesupply.com