Tammy Shoer thrives on two things: nicotine and worry. Living in Israel, she says, means you're in a perpetual state of struggle, constantly battling financial stress and other anxieties. Despite the serene surroundings of her small village, Klil, Shoer embodies the resilience and tenacity of many Israelis.
Tammy Shoer, a resident of Klil, a small village in northern Israel, lives in a constant state of worry. "Living in Israel," she explains, "means you're in a state of constant struggle. You worry nonstop. You are fighting an endless battle against the bank overdraft." As she takes a drag from her cigarette—her third in just ten minutes—her steely gaze meets mine. "You must worry all the time too, I'm sure. That's Israel."
Shoer and I are sitting in her coffee shop in Klil, a tiny village with stunning mountain views and a population of eco-minded farmers, artists, teachers, hoteliers, and vagabonds. The village has a population of just 440, allowing each resident ample space to spread out and enjoy the natural beauty.
Despite being in her late 60s, Shoer exudes tenacity and grit. She inhales and exhales cigarette smoke with the same intensity as a pressure cooker. She runs her small coffee shop, one of only four restaurants in this rural area, while her husband works as an architect. The café is housed in a large Bedouin-style tent, adorned with rugs and exuding a calm, slow vibe.
The ambiance of Shoer's café is reminiscent of the Sinai hangouts once beloved by Israelis, who flocked to pre-revolution Egypt for hookah and good times. Shoer and her husband moved to Klil over 20 years ago. Before opening their café, they made a living by leasing tents to visitors for 80 shekels a night.
Living in Israel often means dealing with a high level of stress and anxiety. According to a 2019 survey by the Israel Democracy Institute, 60% of Israelis reported feeling stressed or anxious. Financial concerns are a significant part of this stress, with 45% of Israelis worried about their financial future (Israel Democracy Institute, 2019).
Tammy Shoer's life in Klil is a microcosm of the broader Israeli experience—one marked by resilience, worry, and a constant struggle against various challenges. Despite the idyllic surroundings, the underlying tension is palpable, reflecting the complex reality of life in Israel.
For more insights into the challenges faced by Israelis, you can explore the Israel Democracy Institute's survey on stress and anxiety in the country.
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