American Ex-pats Celebrate Fourth of July; Election Pre-Occupies

Americans living abroad often speak of the heightened sense of importance the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving hold for those who are separated from the US. Not only is this year is no exception, but the pre-occupation by so many — even non-Americans – with the presidential election all but assures a thoughtful look at the values held dear by so many. The estimated 300,000 US citizens living in Israel constitute one of – if not “the” – largest and politically active voting blocs outside American territory. In 2000, a large number of pundits held that the victory by George W. Bush was largely the work of Americans living in Israel. True or not, belief in the clout of the American ex-pat living in Israel hasn’t waned since. Many continue to seek insight about presumptive Republican candidate Donald Trump from those active in his party while many Democrats and Republicans campaign as though they never left home. Asked what’s missing on Independence Day, most ex-pats miss the atmosphere: “the patriotism and the opportunity to enjoy it as a nation.”