When you’re Jewish in America, one of a gentile’s favorite things to ask you about is Israel. Have you ever been to Israel? Do you want to go to Israel? Do you have family in Israel, are you part Israeli? Do you think the president is doing enough for Israel? How do you feel about Pakistan? As though that’s the only place in the world Jews live anymore outside of New York. As though they’re not even supposed to be in America anymore, why aren’t they over there already? No wonder Wolfgang didn’t want to say anything. Goyim would have a field day.
“That’s…” What to say about the war-torn Promised Land to a native? All he can come up with is, “I hope you weren’t here for winter. …Or what was supposed to be spring.”