Through Partnership 2000, 12 Israeli teens traveled to St. Louis for a recent visit. I had the chance to speak with some of them about their lives in Israel. After getting past the language barrier and getting more comfortable with each other, I found out that we are as similar as we are different. I hope that I will get to Israel someday and visit my new friends.

Jake Weisman: Tell me about your personal and family background.

Tzahi Abu: I am 18 years old and just graduated from high school. I come from an Orthodox family with two brothers and one sister. My father works for an electric company and my mother is a kindergarten teacher.

Osher Amran: I am 17 and I have three sisters. I live with my mother who is an elementary school teacher.

JW: What are some of your hobbies?

TA: I like playing soccer, watching television, keeping up with the news, and listening to music.

OA: I like to play Facebook games, read books, hang out with friends, go bowling, and watch movies.

JW: What are some of your favorite movies?

OA: “Titanic,” “Inception,” and “The Simpsons Movie.” In Israel, we often watch English movies with Israeli subtitles.

JW: What kinds of activities do you do outside of school?

OA: I volunteer at the MDA, the Israeli Red Cross, by going out on the ambulance and helping paramedics with emergencies. I am also a counselor for the Bnei Akiva Youth Movement.

JW: What was your first impression of America?

TA: It is very nice here, and St. Louis has been great so far. I was surprised by all the Christmas lights that I have seen while I’ve been here.

JW: I understand that after graduating high school, Israeli teens are required to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces for three years. What are your long-term plans?

TA: I want to be a commander in the army, and then hopefully go to college. I want to work in high technology for a long-term career.

OA: I will go into the army, too. I want to serve my country. After the army, I want to go to a university and become a doctor.

JW: What can Americans do to support Israel?

TA: You can help us by donating money to various organizations. We appreciate those who have helped us, but we do need continued support in order to keep Israel a country.