Lone soldier from Texas discovers he is Native American
Benjamin Bramaier who was adopted and raised by two Jewish fathers in th US recently discovers his background; 'I must admit I am curious to find out more about my roots, but I grew up my whole life as a Jew'
"Two months ago, I discovered that I was Native American," said Bramaier, who came to Israel as part of Garin Tzabar, a program through the Israeli Scouts and the Ministry of Absorption which helps facilitate joining the IDF.
"It took me completely by surprise. I must admit I am curious to find out more about my roots, but I grew up my whole life as a Jew, which is why I'm here."
Bramaier knew from an early age that he and his sister were adopted and raised by two gay fathers. His parents were among the first in the gay community to adopt children. "I was lucky to get a warm, luxurious and supportive home with parents who raised me in an amazing way. I could not ask for better parents," he explained. "The adoption process occurred at a period when it wasn't very common (for gay people to adopt) and it took a lot of courage for my parents and I really appreciate them for it.
Benjamin took a DNA test which unequivocally confirmed that he is Native American. The biological confirmation verifies what many believed was his background for years.
Bramaier said he chose to make Aliyah because, "I fell in love with the country the first time I visited. As time goes on, I am more and more surprised at how far Israel has managed to come with so few resources. The fact that there is so much hatred and criticism against Israel proves that history repeats itself and it is important for Israel to be strong in order to deal with the challenges ahead. That is why I am here."
As for his parents, they support him and stand behind him, but naturally, are very worried. His non-Jewish friends, on the other hand, were also very surprised by his decision to move to Israel. "They think I've gone crazy, but I can understand why someone from the outside who isn't Jewish would think that," he said with a smile.
One of the biggest differences between Israel and America, for Benjamin, is the big sense of community that Israel has. This, as opposed to America, Benjamin claims, where there is a big sense of alienation and a preoccupation with money and materialism.
Benjamin made Aliyah through Garin Tzabar in cooperation with the Israeli Scouts, the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption, the Jewish Agency and the Kibbutz Movement. He will be hosted during his service at Kibbutz Nir Oz and hopes that in the IDF he will be able to be a medic or paramedic.
