I think I’m lucky. Any country we move to we have a built in community. So while we may fit in less overall (I hope not) we have people we can immediately be friends with. Anyone have thoughts? Are there any other groups that can feel the same way?
I think I’m lucky. Any country we move to we have a built in community. So while we may fit in less overall (I hope not) we have people we can immediately be friends with. Anyone have thoughts? Are there any other groups that can feel the same way?
I have for a long time said that the Deaf community and the religious Jewish community have a lot of similarities! So glad someone finally asked a question where I could use my theory. :) (I’m hearing, and not Jewish, but have lots of dear friends in both communities - and a few that belong to both.) Deaf people across the world stay in touch through social media and different online communities, as well as a world congress, sporting events, and different camps for children, youth and deaf adults. So there are a lot of connections, but it is also very common to reach out to people you don’t know to ask them to show you around if you are visiting, to introduce you to the local community, etc. My Deaf nephew lived with me in high school and after, and he and his friends would often receive Deaf tourists who had reached out before they came. When he went to work overseas for a while, he also got in touch with lots of people before he went, who helped him get settled etc. I see the same with my orthodox Jewish friends - they reach out to a local shul or a community and are then invited to spend Shabbat with them etc. I love it and wish I were part of something similar! (I feel a bit like an adjunct member of the Deaf community, since I sign and have many ties to it, but not totally the same.)
Some people commented that other religious communities are the same, but I don’t really think so - yes, you can find a church and be welcomed, but not this automatic community.
A win for Marlee Matlin!
I am sure all Deaf communities across the world would be delighted to host Marlee Matlin if she asked! :D