As a young woman, Dorit Sasson moved to Israel and served in the Israel Defense Forces as a lone soldier. After 18 years, Dorit returned to the United States, and those decisions, along with the details of her life in both places, inspired two memoirs about straddling cultures, languages, and definitions of home.
In the latest episode of the Make Meaning Podcast, Dorit speaks with host Lynne Golodner about her books, Accidental Solider and Sand and Steel, which were driven by her determination for self-exploration, observation and a desire to connect. As someone who identifies as Israeli by culture and language, yet never stepped foot in a synagogue while she lived in the Jewish State, Dorit talks with Lynne about the many identities of Israel – a nation, a religion, and a people.
In this episode, Lynne and Dorit discuss:
- Her journey to Israel and return to the United States
- Her time serving in the IDF as a lone soldier
- The close-knit structure of Israeli communities
- The differences between statehood, identity and culture
- Israel as the most misunderstood country in the world
- The beauty of Hebrew
- Anti-semitism and Anti-Zionism
Links and Resources:
- Kibbutz
- Nahal Brigade
- Israeli Economy Today
- History of Israel
- Israel Population by Religion
- Israeli Identities
Find Dorit Sasson:
Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Coming up next on the Make Meaning Podcast: Lynne interviews Gramps Jeffrey, a former entrepreneur who was inspired during the pandemic to create a children’s book, “I Don’t Want to Turn 3,” and advocate for ways Baby Boomers can convey legacy and lessons to younger generations.
If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll like these other Make Meaning podcast episodes:
- Episode #119 Roots – Israeli-Palestinian – Toward True Peace in the Middle East
- Episode #82 – Jessica McCormick – Envisioning a new type of Jewish community
- Episode 68 – M. L. Liebler – How to use writing & performance to be an activist
- Episode #61 – Merle Saferstein – Leaving A Legacy
- Episode #39 – Rabbis Who Rock
