‘I Love Israel but Dislike Israelis’

The Meshech Chochma’s read on this exact complaint: it’s the modern Sin of the Spies.

Q. I love Israel but dislike Israelis. What should I do?

Unfortunately I can’t help you with your personal experiences which lead you to say such harsh things, but nevertheless, must point out that you have slipped into the “Sin of the Spies”. The Meshech Chochma stresses that G-d forgave idolatry (the Golden Calf), but does not forgive Cheit HaMraglim, speaking bad about the Land or her people, which may convince others not to make aliya! The Netziv stresses that the slander of the spies was true, but like in Lashon HaRah, that’s also forbidden. True, it takes a while to get used to any new culture or mindset, but to live with brothers in Israel is worth the effort! You’ll find a lot more “secular and immoral” people in America than in Israel, where 80% are religious or traditional. “Your People are all righteous; they will forever inherit the Land”. “I wish My children would be in the Land of Israel, even if they defile her!” (Yalkut Shimoni Eicha, 1038). “Happy are those who dwell in the Land of Israel, for they are without sin, whether on purpose or even accidental” (ibid, Tehilim, 833), for in Israel, G-d especially forgives. Israelis aren’t perfect, but nobody is (including yourself!), and you won’t find too many R. Aryeh Levin’s elsewhere. Where else can you count the average plumber and soldier for a minyan, as well as being obligated towards them in all mitzvot! Those Israelis whom you dislike are nevertheless, willing to give their life in the army, to save yours and your Land. The average American wouldn’t do that, especially if you’d dislike them in return! We tried more than 100 different countries over 1900 years, and objectively, the alternatives are a lot worse! The secret is to focus on their virtue (as demonstrated above) and give them the benefit of the doubt regarding things you’d like to overlook. Also, at least in the beginning, it’s easiest if you choose a neighborhood with people with your similar mindset.