How the Broadway musical “Hamilton” deepened my connection to Israel

I want to thank you for several things.  The first two may seem obvious.

First, for your revolutionary new art form.  I have always loved musical theater, but your unique choice to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton through the language of hip-hop is nothing short of brilliant.

Secondly, thank you for making American History so accessible to anyone lucky enough to see your show on Broadway.  I was fortunate to be born in America. As an American, I listen to the soundtrack with gratitude for the sacrifices our founding fathers (and mothers) made to establish this incredible country.  Thank you for making it so personal.

But the reason I felt compelled to write to you is to share what the “Hamilton” soundtrack has done for me, something that I did not expect.  As of this writing, I have not had the pleasure of seeing the show…YET.  But I have listened to it several dozen times.  I wasn’t sure why I found it so compelling, or why I related to it so completely.  But I think I understand it after having returned from a recent trip overseas.

By way of background, I am the granddaughter of 4 Holocaust Survivors.  Both of my grandfathers were married with children before the war, and both of them lost their wives and their children to the Nazis.  My father was raised in Israel and returned to live there 25 years ago.  He has always been deeply connected to the tiny nation, and his passion is contagious.  My 2 sisters and I have been traveling to Israel since we were little girls, visiting our grandparents, spending time with our cousins and the few distant relatives that survived the Holocaust.  I have always loved Israel.  And as an adult, I have had the privilege of learning the complicated history and geopolitical struggles that Israelis deal with. 

But this past trip to Israel was different for me because of “Hamilton.”  You see, the modern state of Israel is only 68 years old.  Which means that many of the natives and immigrants that sacrificed everything to establish this new nation are still alive.   And I have had the honor of spending time with many of them.  As I listen to your brilliant score now, I can’t help but relate it to the struggles and triumphs of my grandparents and their contemporaries.  There are so many similarities…

The Jewish immigrants of Europe lost everything and had to rebuild.  Their ship to a new land was the Exodus.  Once they were there, they had to gain independence from the British Mandate over Palestine. Just as they raised a glass to freedom, they had no choice but to fight a war of Independence.  And once victorious, they had the challenge of establishing a new nation… one that is still young, scrappy and hungry.

Like America, Israel is a model for how a new nation can successfully build important institutions like a Supreme Court and a world-class defense force.  Israel has been a Democratic beacon of stability in a region struggling with instability.   Israel has shown the world that a young country can make the most of its limited resources to become a leader in agriculture and water technologies.   Israel has been an innovator of technology and medical research that helps people all over the world.  And as the world struggles with issues like Cyber-security and Homeland Security, world leaders can look to Israel for many creative and cost-effective solutions.

Just as I am proud to be an American, I am proud of what my ancestors have been able to do in the small sliver of land in the Middle East, our Jewish homeland.  It is certainly not perfect.  It has its share of political struggles and betrayal, and has real struggles with enemies that would like to see Israel removed from the map.  But as you so eloquently depict, every developing country has its challenges.

I welcome the opportunity for Hamilton to premier in Israel, because I can imagine the experience will hit very close to home.  When “Les Miserables” debuted, for example, the intensity of revolution followed by the powerful song “Empty Chairs and Empty Tables” was all too familiar to the audience members who had lost their friends and loved ones in recent wars.  And I’m sure that Israeli audiences will be affected when confronted with living with the unimaginable, because they live with it every day.  Just recently, I woke up to the devastating news that Hallel, a beautiful 13 year-old Israeli-American girl was stabbed to death while sleeping in her bed after a 17 year-old terrorist broke into her home.  And yet somehow, the men and women of Israel pick up the pieces of their lives and move forward with resilience. Can you imagine?

While I was there I bought a set of coasters with the images of Israel’s original leaders.  When my 7-year old daughter asked me who they were, I explained they were the Alexander Hamilton, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson of Israel.  She got it.

So all this is to say thank you.  Thank you for making me understand better about the personal struggles and sacrifices made by the founding fathers and mothers of our two great nations.  It makes me appreciate both even more.  Thank you for telling their stories.

Respectfully,

Diana Stein Judovits