The article reflects on the author’s experience as a surfer and mohel traveling to Portugal amidst rising antisemitism following the October 7 attacks in Israel. Initially hesitant about surf travel, the author finds joy not only in the waves but also in connecting with people, including a supportive airline pilot and a professional surfer who knows a fellow Israeli.
As the situation in Israel escalates, the author expresses concern about the changing attitudes towards Jews in Europe, recounting encounters marked by hostility, such as anti-Israel graffiti in Greece. Polling data reveals more than half of Israelis fear revealing their nationality abroad, prompting self-censorship to maintain safety.
The author’s poignant conclusion reveals the emotional struggle of concealing identity while traveling, highlighting how external circumstances can profoundly affect personal experiences and connections.
