Friday's Digest - The Newsletter for Doctors & Scientists

Friday's Digest #63

Relocation: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Recently, I’ve been repeatedly confronted with questions about relocation and whether we’ve experienced any anti-Semitic acts.
This is my answer.

November 10th, 2023

Friday's Digest - The Newsletter for Doctors & Scientists

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Preface
Main Article
Readers’ Favorite
Suff

Preface

In recent weeks, the Israeli media and local social networks have seen more and more stories of those considering moving abroad.

Over the last week, I've been repeatedly confronted with the question: “Have you experienced any anti-Semitic acts where you live?”

So today, I’ll explore both topics.

If you’re new to this newsletter, a brief introduction: my family and I relocated to Boston in the summer of 2022 for a two-year stint. I am currently a surgical fellow specializing in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology.

So let’s dive into what I call: “Relocation: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.”

I pray for peace in my homeland.

Number 63.

Main Article

🔵 Relocation: The Good

For me, “The Good” refers to two aspects: materialistic goodness and comfort.

The availability of products in the US is unparalleled. Whatever we need is just a click away, delivered to our doorstep. And if you’re not happy with it, you can return it, no questions asked. It makes your day-to-day life very easy.

In terms of comfort, we've found ourselves with more personal space, even though Boston is hardly the most spacious city by American standards.

The classes my children attend are smaller, the parks are numerous and spacious, and there's an array of activities for all ages. These comforts add quality to our lives.

But do I consider these factors as the most important ones?

Not particularly.

My joy comes from simple pleasures: my wife’s smile, my children’s laughter, enjoying coffee at home, and a cold beer on a sunny day.

I’m happy when my friends and family are happy.

Material comfort and convenience are nice additions. But this is precisely what they are: ADDITIONS. Added on top of something more substantial.

🔵 Relocation: The Bad

Being away from your loved ones, navigating a private insurance-based health system, and encountering differing social values.

Where I come from, family plays a central role in decision-making, influencing our living arrangements, financial priorities, and holiday celebrations.

I’m used to a publicly funded healthcare system. Sure, it’s not perfect, and it certainly has room for improvement. But it guarantees VERY high-quality medical care without thinking about the bill.

Values here are different. I don't regard one set of values as superior to the other, but living in the US for 2 years (Boston nowadays, Portland, Oregon a few years ago) showed me that my values from home remained the same.

🔵 Relocation: The Ugly

And by this, I will answer the question I’ve been asked repeatedly over the last week:

“Have you seen any anti-Semitic acts where you live?”

The answer is YES.

Incidents of anti-Semitism, ranging from harassment to outright violence, are not uncommon in Boston's academic and healthcare institutions.

Swastikas (the Nazi symbol) has been painted in the restrooms at my hospital. The hospital's response was weak, and came only after actively asking the administration to comment.

These acts, often dismissed as 'free speech,' are becoming more violent.

The Bottom Line:

So, if you had asked me about relocation a month ago, I would respond with “The Good and The Bad” - a comparison of familial values and comfort, material benefits versus a social system.

But today, I must include “The Ugly." It’s not that we live in fear.

Yet, this is not something I would have swept under the rug either.

I hope that helped.

Readers’ Favorite

How much does it cost to live in the US?

In Friday’s Digest number #41, I share our monthly expenses.

Stuff

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