by Noa Baum

Yes, this is going to sound schmaltzy, but last night I felt proud to be an American citizen for the first time. I’ve only been a citizen since 2002, and for many years I have been an Israeli living in America.

When I was studying at NYU from 1984 - 86, I worked in places that looked like a bombarded Berlin after World War II. I saw kindergarten children shuffle into the class, too depressed to even lift up their feet. There were classrooms with bars like a prison and locks and I was the only white person for miles around. Then I would go to my other job, on Park Ave., where the children arrived in stretched limos. Most days I was consumed with rage and hopelessness. I did not like America.

I returned to Israel and when I came back to this country in 1990 following Stuart’s PHD pursuit, it was never with the intention to stay, but it became apparent in 2000 that we are not going back. Though I became a citizen, I felt my “otherness” more than ever and I was still a foreigner when I participated in my first election in 2004. Growing up in the parliamentary system of Israel, in a place where over 90% of the population voted, it was hard to understand this America, the greatest democracy on earth where a “whopping” 44% of the population voted at all?

But such is the power of narrative that it can carry us humans into the unimaginable! Barak Obama managed to shift the narrative of a nation and create a story of hope. It was exhilarating to feel the energy, to be part of so many people just showing up - “what can I do?” It was awe inspiring to experience the organization of the Obama campaign - SO many people - each doing their little bit and together like clockwork things get done. I knocked on doors of houses in Harrisburg PA that looked like they were about to crumble and yes, most of the people there were black. The few that were home to open the door nodded: “yes, I’m voting.” ” yes, I know where to go”. “yes I’ll be there”. One man enthusiastically took more pamphlets and added them to his collection, meticulously taping them on his storm door. another called to us on the street: “Are you kidding me? no way I miss this one, wild horses will not drag me away!”

Last night I cried and I screamed. Last night I heard words of wisdom and courage and for once, it did not feel naive or stupid to be someone who believes in hope. I don’t know how to live without it. Hope is the secret ingredient that makes humans capable of surviving against all odds. When there is something to look forward to, when there is hope, everything and anything can happen. When we have a narrative that touches our heart we can find the strength to get up in the morning in the face of illness, pain and death. WE chose a leader capable of holding this hope for us.

This amazing shift that we are now part of is bigger than America and I believe that psychologically and emotionally it will impact the entire globe. I pray that my people in Israel will have the courage to elect a leader worthy of their hopes and dreams for peace and my hopes for peace are now greater than ever.

I have never felt more grateful and excited and happy to be part of this great nation. Thank you America!

Born and raised in Jerusalem, trained in theater and education, Noa Baum is an acclaimed performance artist, educator and workshop facilitator who brings stories to life with her animated and energetic style. Her storytelling performances and workshops build  bridges of understanding and compassion between East and West, American and Israeli, Arab and Jew, past and present. Nora’s next storytelling class begins November 10th www.noabaum.com