When I received a notice from Danny Allen, executive v.p. of the United Israel Appeal, about a meeting of the Jewish Agency in Tel Aviv, I must say that my interest was aroused. It coincided with my scheduled trip to Israel, involved topics that I wanted to hear about, and would not interfere with any of my other plans. So, I made arrangements to attend the meeting, figured out how to travel to Tel Aviv by bus from Jerusalem, and prepared myself for meeting others who were vitally interested in the well-being of Israel.
The gathering of representatives from all over the United States, England, and Australia was impressive. The two days featured presentations by major figures in the Jewish world: Natan Sharansky, Ron Huldai (the Mayor of Tel Aviv), Ehud Ya'ari (an Israeli media commentator), Yuli Edelstein (speaker of the Knesset), Daniel Gordis (writer for the Jerusalem Post and founder of Shalem College in Jerusalem), and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It was thrilling to be in their presence and hear their words.
From the discussions that ensued at all of our meetings, a few common themes arose: The BDS Movement must be stopped by proactive work by Jewish communities worldwide; Aliya is on the rise as anti-semitism sweeps through Europe; a nuclear Iran will endanger the region in general and Israel in particular.
Some new learning: 26,000 individuals made aliyah last year. There are more expected to arrive this year. Anti-Semitic outbreaks in the Ukraine and France are fueling a desire for Jews, both young and old, to find a safe haven in Israel. Although we might not think about such conditions also existing in England, there were 1,168 reported anti-Semitic attacks last year. The fact that we have a place where we can go where we can defend ourselves is in no way insignificant. Israel is now home to 6,000,000 Jews...men/women/children/religious/secular while in Europe Jews no longer speak about "if" a tragedy occurs, rather "when" it occurs.
As I sit here in Jerusalem, I am convinced that this land is vibrant, despite the challenges it faces. There are currently more people studying Torah in Israel than in Europe in 1938. Israel is the 2nd highest publisher of books per capita in the world. They are being written in a language that no one even spoke 100 years ago! Secular Jews in Israel are looking for ways to be secular that do not close the door on Jewish customs and traditions. As Daniel Gordis said, "They want to be secular but not orphaned."
Israel is a miracle in our day....may she continue to shine and may we continue to support her in through her times of challenge.
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