I Do Not Live in Israel

I do not live in Israel–
but her streets, I know by heart.
I’ve passed through them, step by step, turn by turn, town by town
I have followed her paths deep underground.

I do not live in Israel–
but I can hear all her sounds:
car horns and chatter, city pulse and sirens,
music in the desert,
hope, fear and resolve reverberating off of ancient walls.

I do not live in IsraelLit. ''the one who struggles with God.'' Israel means many things. It is first used with reference to Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel (Genesis 32:29), the one who struggles with God. Jacob's children, the Jewish people, become B'nai Israel, the children of Israel. The name also refers to the land of Israel and the State of Israel. but I’ve touched on every shore.
My toes have dipped in all her seas, touched each piece of Negev sand,
my hands run daily down her rough, pale stone.

I do not live in Israel but I have tasted all her fruits–
I have eaten every date and pomegranate seed, red juice runs down my face.
I wipe it with my dirty hands, sticky with honey.

I do not live in Israel, but I know every family there.
We were just together, moments ago.

I do not live in Israel,
I stand in JerusalemLit. City of peace From the time of David to the Roman destruction, Jerusalem was the capital of Israel and the spiritual and governmental center of the Jewish people. During the long exile, Jews longed to return to Jerusalem and wrote poems, prayers, and songs about the beloved city. In 1967, with the capture of the Old City, Jerusalem was reunited, becoming "the eternal capital of Israel." Still, the longing for peace is unfulfilled. from thousands of miles away.

I do not live in Israel.
Her words leave my lips and are received in heaven.

I do not live in Israel–

Israel lives in me.