Need for Israel

I find it very difficult lately to be thinking about much else except the well-being of Israel and the entire Jewish people, as reports of anti-Semitism are becoming more plentiful.  I recognize that Shabbat should be a time to try to let this all go…in favor of thinking about the beauties that surround us daily.  But I think also that sometimes when times seem dark, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining hope. 

Last night in Omaha, Rabbi Abraham told of a meeting he and a group of Conservative Movement rabbis had with Natan Sharansky.  He said Sharansky made the following comment:  “ We are beginning to see the end of Jewish history in Europe.” On first look, such a statement could be very depressing. In Britain there have been over 100 anti Semitic incidents since the inception of Operation Protective Edge.  In France, events over the past year have lead to the emigration of 5,000-6,000 Jews to Israel.  As Rabbi Abraham pointed out, the need now exists for French speaking therapists in Israel who can help those arriving to deal with the traumas they have witnessed in their communities.

How can one look at such statements and feel anything but utter despair?  I think if we were facing a world without Israel, that would be the appropriate response.  But knowing that world Jewry knows it has a homeland to which it can turn in times of distress and danger, makes a difference.  It’s odd, but when I was in Israel, even with the rockets causing the sirens to be alarmed in Jerusalem and even with the iron dome exploding rockets near the airport as I arrived there was still an incredible sense of confidence that Israel would do everything possible to protect its citizens from danger. I also was struck with the thought that maybe in the end of things, Jews in danger would find it more safe to be in Israel than in countries calling for their deaths.

I do hope and pray that this surge of anti-Semitism will be nipped but I also hope and pray that we will truly recognize the importance of Israel as a Jewish homeland even in the 21^st century.

Shabbat Shalom.