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| Patrice Worthy, publisher Pworthy Archives |
With that aside, aside I’m going to talk about something a little controversial. When I first converted to Judaism, I never thought I’d be able to visit Israel. In college so many kids were going on Birthright trips, but I was putting myself through college and couldn’t afford to take a week off of work, so I was never able to go. My vacation money was spent on covering New York Fashion Week, a trip I paid for with my refund check, so anything outside of that was impossible. I prayed that I would get to visit Israel, but I was also so caught up in becoming a Jew and learning Torah that the idea was pushed into the background. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever get to visit Israel. It wasn’t until I began working at The Atlanta Jewish Times that a trip to Israel became a possibility. One day I walked into my editor’s office and told him I’d like to go. A week later he told me I’d be on an all expenses paid trip to Ha’areetz. I was so EXCITED, but I didn’t understand the magnitude of my trip. Finally, I could form my own opinions about the controversial nation and when my feet touched the ground I cried. I felt a connection to the entire region and everyone in it – the land lives - If you know, you know.
Israel being the Horn Africa is an important detail I don’t want to leave out, because when I’m there I feel one with Africa, the Bedouins, our cousins The Palestinians, and the land itself. There is no separation for me. Israel was a part of the migration route that bridged Africa to the Middle East, and it still is for the animals and birds, which brings me to my point. Though I consider Israel a part of Africa, it really bothers me that I have not been pass The Horn. I’ve been to Israel numerous times for free – all expenses paid, but to get to Africa as a Black woman is near impossible. Airfare is outrageous and I wouldn’t know how to begin to plan a trip, because when I go I’m staying for a while and writing about everything. I long to visit The Continent, but without the type of programs they have in Israel I’m afraid I’ll never get there and, in my opinion, that is unfair.
I believe all Black people of the Diaspora should be able to visit Africa, at least once, for free. The belief first came to me after I discovered the writings of Marcus Garvey in college. I fell in love with his work and Garvey is still a huge influence on me. People always ask why do Jews feel such a connection to Israel? Why do they call it home? It’s because the Jewish community ensures we feel that way about the land. Jews from all over the world are given a chance to connect to Israel and form whatever opinions they want. Black people are not afforded that opportunity, and I can only imagine how different Black Americans would be if we were. However you feel about Israel the idea is novel, indeed. As one Black Jewish cantor said "Judaism brings you back to yourself," and for a Black American that's a spiritual awakening that breaks you wide open. I know what visiting Israel did for me and I know what Africa would do for Black Americans and myself. Imagine if Black Americans felt a tangible connection to Africa. Imagine if core memories were made on The Continent. I think if we Black Americans had a land to call our own, to defend, and to steward we would feel differently about our identity and each other.
I hope you enjoy this week's content.
Sincerely,
Patrice Worthy
Publisher, PWorthy Archives