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(return
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We played shows in Haifa and at the Israeli
Museum in Jerusalem. Driving between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem,
I had the sense that Israel is very much like America. There
were typical homes where average families lived and worked. Neighborhoods
and villages full of mothers and fathers and children. We hear
so much about suicide bombings and tanks on a daily basis that
I was surprised - and relieved - not to hear any gunfire or see
any battles firsthand.
Unfortunately, I did see battle scars. Several parents came to
me after the shows brandishing photos of children they had lost
to suicide bombings and military actions. I cried right along
with them.
Most encounters I had with people were happy ones. Merchants
were helpful and happy to have us shopping, and we bought many
treasures to bring back home. Restaurant owners were also grateful
and went out of their way to give us great food and service.
Many said, "Thank you so much for coming. It has been a
long time since we had an American in the shop." I felt
proud at those moments to have made the trip.
I was touched by the people's courage and surprised by their
diversity. I met folks from England, Ethiopia, Australia, Egypt,
and Hungary - all Israelis - and was surprised to find that many
were not Jewish. They identified with Israel as a beautiful country
full of rich history and were not necessarily defined by religion.
It was educational to hear them debate politics, and I learned
there are many ways to look at the current situation and no easy
way to solve centuries of conflict.
 I'm glad I made
the journey and didn't give in to my own fear or the worries
of family and friends. Is it dangerous? Yes. It's also dangerous
on the streets of Los Angeles, where I grew up, and in every
large city in the United States. It's dangerous to drive on the
freeways and we do that every single day. But going to Israel
was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a part of history and to
learn up close what the controversy is about. And as a musician,
you can't beat the sold-out, accepting, enthusiastic crowds that
await.
Would I go again? In a heartbeat.
For more on Candye Kane, visit
her Web
site.
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