Former Americans in Israel on Thanksgiving Day—what we're thankful for

Israel from the Inside with Daniel Gordis · Nov 27, 2025 · 1m

A few months ago, in mid-August, I read a Facebook post (see below) by Amanda Borschel-Dan, who is the Deputy Editor of the Times of Israel, and host of its many podcasts, including the Daily Briefing, What Matters Now, Friday Focus and The Reel Schmooze. I was deeply moved by Amanda’s post, her sentiments expressed to her brother, and the story of her journey towards embracing this country.

It struck me that hearing what got her to fall in love with Israel and with life in the Jewish state, and what she’s grateful for about living here, even though life here is far from simple, would be very…