I’ve always felt a connection with Eastern Europe. Most of Ashkenaz Jewish history is based there; it’s a main area for modern Jews and where a majority of the Holocaust took place. Eastern Europe is where I was born, where my biological relatives are from, but I don’t live there anymore so that connection has weakened in relevance. However, the connection has always been there, and I know when I am able to visit Hungary, it’s going to feel like coming home. Also, my brother lives in Budapest; another part of my life with a connection to Eastern Europe.
I know the European way of life is immensely different from ours in many ways, but I’ve never been able to see the actualization of these differences. I can’t wait to finally experience this culture and lifestyle to which I’ve always felt connected, but was never able to truly experience. Their Jewish identity and how they express it, is very different from ours since they have been denied the freedom of religion, while, in America, the freedom of religion is one of the core values that America was founded on. ~ Vanessa V.
