I’m a Jew by choice. I hesitate to share this because of the judgment I’ve received from both within and outside the Jewish community. While my shul community has been nothing but welcoming, I did have a child come up to me and tell me, “someone told me you’re not really Jewish.”

It took many years of soul searching and learning to decide on my conversion. And I’m glad that I did, because of the outpouring of the love and support from my community far outweighs any negative experience I’ve had within the community.

I realize that no person and no community is perfect. There are certain issues within the Jewish community and within the Korean-Am. community (like every community) that could be bettered through education and compassion.

What I love about my Jewish community is the sense of oneness. No matter where we go, no matter what color, we are connected by our peoplehood.

We are a people of creators, strong survivors, tradition, feeding people with too much food and so much more, including zest for life

There are many similarities between Korean and Jewish community and I am blessed to fully enumerate and engage in both.

Something I didn’t realize prior to joining the tribe was just how much Jew hatred exists in this world. Even though I grew up in SoFL, have Jewish friends and lived in West LA for a long time, I was so blind to the suffering of the Jewish people.

It wasn’t until I joined the tribe I realize just how strong, resilient and persevering the Jewish people are. Having the courage to he unabashedly themselves in the face of prejudice, hatred and danger and to repeat this everyday.

Some things I’ve never had to do but do now when traveling with my Jewish family is to ask: is it safe to travel here? Do they want to kill us?

When making new friends: what country are they from? Do they hate us?

When visiting universities: is it safe here?

The list goes on

I realize the privilege of being able to hide my Jewish identity during a time when antisemitism is soaring and becoming mainstream once more.

I also realize that belonging to two communities give me the unique ability to bridge the gap between our communities.

I was born to survivors. Koreans have been colonized, oppressed, dehumanized and survived attempts at erasure.

I willingly joined a nation of people who have also been marginalized, colonized, oppressed, dehumanized and survived attempts at erasure.

We have much in common.

People of Korea and people of Judea share a parallel modern history and despite all the tragedies and oppression our people faced, learned to find the joys in life, contribute to the betterment of our world and thrive.