Itâs getting worried whenever something happens in Israel and being worried about how this will change attitudes towards Jews.
Itâs considering whether you should give your actual name or your middle name or a Christian name (and yes I know people who move to other countries do this as well, for a long list of reasons, and itâs problematic and irritating and also sad because you like your name but youâve got to change it so people like you).
Itâs explaining your holidays and festivals in terms of Christian festivals.
In my case it was barely learning anything about the Jewish faith at school except in relation to the Nazis, and even then no one ever spoke about resistance. In religious studies we learnt about Christianity (reasonable-Englandâs a Christian country), Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism. We even learnt a bit about Islam.
Itâs living in England and being terrified when anti-Semite are reported to be on the rise in France because you know thereâs a very real chance it will spread to England.
Itâs not telling people youâre Jewish, and, in my case, preparing the defence that my motherâs from a Christian family (she converted, but they donât need to know), and using that to let people assume youâre not Jewish.
Itâs being worried whenever you have to do anything with money. If you spend too much and donât worry about it then youâre the rich Jew, if you spend very little then youâre a misery Jew.
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