aliyes, aliyno (original) (raw)

from here: http://www.canada.com/fortstjohn/story.html?id=ab18291b-bd1d-487a-ab56-a5a8a04aa787

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A gun, Israeli women and cash.

Those are among the incentives for Ryan Paddock who quit his job at a Winnipeg convenience store to immigrate to Israel this month along with 400 other Canadians.

Some, like the 19-year-old Winnipegger, want to serve in Israel's armed forces as the country embarks on a plan to withdraw from settlements in the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank.

Other Canadians are moving because they think that now, more than ever, Israel needs their help to stabilize the economy, grow businesses and strengthen the democratic process.

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i've always had a hard time relating to the idea of aliyah: an jewish non-israelite having such a strong tie to israel that they would go and enlist for the country. i get the association between fighting for the concept of it all (peace, democracy, etc.), but to do such an act based wholely or ever partially based on the JEW aspect, seems odd to me. is it the idea of protecting "your" land, and if so isn't that a bit selfish/unrealistic? is it the mere concept of the noble yet constantly persecuted jew fighting off the great evil? is it trendiness?

i suppose the canadian aspect makes sense. after all, being in the canadian army is like being a half-full bathtub on the shores of lake superior. but still, what's going on here?