Reflections of a Foreigner in Times of Conflict

On a radiant morning by the Mediterranean, I found myself immersed in an unimaginable reality after three days of apparent peace. The sun shone in the blue sky, and the sea danced with sunlight, seemingly oblivious to the tragedy unfolding around us.

Everything changed at six-thirty in the morning when a shrill alarm pierced the air, shattering the morning's tranquility. A friend hurried me, warning me to seek shelter immediately. What was once a promising day of rest and enjoyment turned into a nightmare of uncertainty and fear.

The news was devastating: attacks to the south, lives lost, families torn apart. The sky, which had witnessed serene days before, was now filled not with festive fireworks but with fires of destruction. The sea, once a source of peace, seemed to echo the turmoil unfolding on solid ground.

Understanding a country's conflicts as a foreigner is an overwhelming experience. The reality we experience is vastly different from what is portrayed on television. Around me, people were in shock, some crying, while their families sent desperate messages, pleading with them to seek refuge. How can one return to work, to daily concerns, when every moment is haunted by terrifying sounds? The noise of helicopters, the incessant alerts – all echoed in our minds, reminding us of the instability of our world.

In a live broadcast at the university, I witnessed a distressed girl, pleading for help as she suffered a panic attack. That was the breaking point for me. Seeing someone so young and helpless, who had come to this country with dreams of studying and a better life, left me deeply troubled. I recalled all the months of preparation, the hours spent learning the local language, the uncertainties faced, and the anticipation that preceded my journey. Arriving here was like discovering an entirely different world, challenging the stereotypes I had harbored for so long.

When you move to another country, you become an involuntary ambassador of your homeland. I became an advocate for my home country, sharing with others the culture, richness, and diversity of Brazil. However, amidst this crisis, I feel it's time to share where I am, with all its complexities and challenges.

I regret that the image we have of Israel is overshadowed by conflicts. There is so much more to this land – the innovation, the incredible people, hard work, and the love for education and discovery. My people are strong, loving, caring, and will do anything for one another. I sincerely hope that my fellow foreigners, both those already here and those arriving soon, will help paint a fuller picture of Israel. A picture that encompasses not only its challenges but also its opportunities and the determination that drives its innovation.

I hope that together, we can believe in overcoming conflicts, promoting our cultures, and peaceful coexistence. May nations learn to respect each other, finding a solution to conflicts and promoting coexistence, instead of the destruction that often seems inevitable. In this time of uncertainty, this hope keeps us moving forward, even when the world around us is in turmoil.

Rodrigo Vieira