Wandering Jew

Leaving the LA area. Passing by the intersection where Paul Kessler was killed, located between my old office and old residence. The area once felt a safe place to be Jewish. Now, not so much.

Following the route (approximately) of the old Route 66. The is also the route from LA to Vegas, much traveled though once you leave the urban boundaries, a different world. The photo is that of the Outpost Cafe, a true truck stop for large 18-wheelers going transcontinental.

In such places, I always feel a bit “other.” As you can see, Fox News was on the TV. One segment was on a protest in Tel Aviv in support of return for hostages. I listened to see if anyone commented, but no one was paying attention.

“Other”. “Identity” is tricky. It is both internal and internal the eye of the beholder. Most of the time I feel American. Effortlessly. But in a place like this I realize that not everyone there would see me as a “real” American. A dissonance.

The food was reasonable and the waitstaff friendly. We got a free coffee to go. As we left, the waitress wished, “Merry Christmas.” I responded, “You, too.”