A new video shows four Israeli-American couples providing a glimpse into their love life • "It should contain what both sides bring to the table," the couples say
On the occasion of Valentine's Day, which is celebrated this week around the world, a new web video proves that love wins - even when it comes to mixed couples, who have differences in Jewish culture, customs and traditions.
The video shows four mixed couples, half Israelis and half American Jews, providing a glimpse into their love life and telling about the difficulties, challenges and amusing moments that accompany them daily in the shadow of the cultural differences and mental differences between the parties.
"We happened to meet at the workplace's birthday party," say Ivy (from the US) and Ariel (from Israel), who shares, "To this day, I am convinced that it was a trap that her mother set."
The video was produced at the initiative of the Ruderman Family Foundation, an Israeli-American foundation that works to strengthen Israeli-Jewish relations.
"A relationship between Israelis and Americans is the most direct and everyday expression of the enormous closeness between the two countries and the culture they share," says Shira Ruderman, the foundation's director general. That fact must be taken into account. "
Another couple in the video reveals that there are differences between Israelis and American Jews in the way that each of them shows love.
"Israeli women are more intense in their love," says Noga, 23, who has lived with her American partner Alex for five years.
"American men tend to express their love in a more material way and buy gifts for their spouses," says Alex on the other hand.
According to the video, it sometimes turns out that there are also benefits to cultural differences between couples.
The Israeli men who appear in it admit that they have learned to adopt American traits and habits from their wives.
Ariel says that he learned from his wife how important it is to run a 'small talk', as a way to achieve things in life.
They describe learning how to book online and get out of the house on time.
"A Jewish home produces a common connection"
Despite the differences, one thing the couples agree on: Judaism is the strongest common denominator by which they are together.
"Jewish lifestyle and Jewish culture are things I always wanted in life, I wanted to build a Jewish home. The secret to the success of the relationship is to contain what both sides bring to the table, and the fact that both sides are Jewish, produces a common connection," reveals Mira, Amit's partner.
The two, aged 35-40 with three children, met right after a colleague moved to the United States through an event for Israelis held in New York in 2013. We got married after 7 months.
Although she is American, Amit describes her as the "most Israeli-American" woman he knows.
The desire to meet a Jewish bride also comes from the Israeli side, the men say.
"There was no other option, for me. As Israelis living and living in Israel, we have a Jewish way of life and we know when Shabbat and when are holidays. In America it is quite the opposite. You have to want it and look for the Jewish environment."
