Nuremberg Tour 4

Nathan asks, "so where from here Rachel? You have the old man's level of talent. A duty to the world, not just hide away."
"No thanks, Israel is a little too ah"
"Grow up kid. You really think just because you pretend not to be Jewish, that the rest of the world accepts that. That cashier is throwing dirty looks at you, have a run in with her?"
I blush, explain.
"Let me tell you, half sister, you will be coming to join us, sooner or later. So here's my card, I can help you decipher the bureaucratese."
"Nathan I don't even know Hebrew."
"Do you think that fact would stop the cashier from bashing your nose?"
I blush.
"Take my advice, enrol in an evening course at JCC, better to arrive knowing some Hebrew."
"In my view, Israel is racist, I mean it's view of Black or Oriental Jews. Canada is far more egalitarian."
"You're an idiot, one of the aristocrats. Just showing up, knowing Hebrew, means you get a higher class job."
"That is racism Nathan."
"No, it just is. Take my card, we will meet again."
Another obvious Israeli mil man in civvies joins us, Nathan makes the introductions.
His eyes narrow, "now I've placed you, former fiancee to Sam M."
"We went for coffee all of a half dozen times, rumor of engagement is false."
"He's dead, you know?"
I nod.
"Paras, Lebanon, that's why you and he didn't get engaged. He was gung ho about going and you not."
I blush.
"Let me tell you something kid, you own a car?"
"No."
"But you do ride in one sometimes?"
"Yes."
Pulls out a palm pilot, "do you realize being a passenger for 2,000 kilometers in this very city gives you a higher mathematical risk of death or injury than a year in the Israeli military?"
I groan inwardly, I truly hate a mathematical zealot.
"More chance of dying of gastrointestinal problems after a fortnight in Mexico than doing a full two year draft hitch in the IDF."
I stare out the window.
"If you vacationed in Toronto, went out every evening for one week, you would have a higher risk of being a crime victim than ..."
You can of course prove or disprove anything if you play with numbers.
Abruptly he switches course, "tell me, you and your father get on well?"
"We don't talk much."
"Would it come as a surprise if I told you he had applied to return?"
I gasp loudly.
"Well, I guess that constitutes surprise. He's not much more than a greedy businessman. If he's returning, isn't that your hint Canada is getting dangerous?"
"Did he ah apply himself or self and spouse?"
"Himself. Don't waste your life here kid. Talent like yours, you won't waste a day in the infantry. Guaranteed officer corps or a prestigious tech job like radar."
"I ah"
"Take my card. Won't cost you so much as one work day or one travel dollar. Once a month, JCC will invigilate exams. That's all I ask, one weekend of your time. You would know your specialty before you go."
I protest, "but I'm not really Jewish, I would never fit."
Induglent smile, "Jewish Atheist, right?"
I nod.
"Tons of people like you around. Secular, not religious. You'd fit in far better than in Canada, have lot of friends."
"You think so?"
"I know so. Send an email when you are ready to take the exam."
They leave. I stare out the window. Wow, a lot to digest, it'll take time.