We Need Israel: Thoughts from Jerusalem

Israeli and German Air Force planes fly over Knesset on Yom Ha'atzmaut

Why did our generation deserve Israel?

On Yom Ha'atzmaut 1968, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik asked why was it that the generation of 1948 - his generation - merited a State of Israel? Why not the generation of the Rambam or the Vilna Gaon? The Rav answered, "Because we needed it."

The Rav described the dark spiritual mood in the aftermath of World War Two and the Shoah. One-third of World Jewry was murdered. The future of the community looked bleak. Some Christians said to Jews, "See, God is sending you a message." How would Judaism survive?

Then came 1948. Everything changed. Israel saved Judaism. It gave Jews a purpose, a mission, renewed confidence, hope, and optimism. After spending Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut in Israel, it is clear the Rav is still right. We need a State of Israel.

These are turbulent times with hundreds of thousands protesting for and against the government and disagreeing on a host of issues. Nevertheless, being here is a reminder that Israel is the glue that can bind the Jewish people together and serve as an indispensable foundation for Jewish identity. 

As Yom Hazikaron began, I attended the memorial ceremony at Ammunition Hill, the site of a brutal battle in the fight for Jerusalem in 1967. Alon Wald, whose father, Rami, fell in the battle when Alon was just ten months old, spoke movingly to his father during the event. I'll never forget what he said:

"Abba, I forgive you for choosing your country over your family."

While his words were personal, they remind each of us with a reminder that Israel is the most important aspect of our Jewish identity. Whatever our politics may be, the State of Israel matters more. 

Today, I attended the World Orthodox Israel Congress, a gathering of rabbis, educators, and lay leaders from around the world. At a session on Diaspora Jewry's connection to Israel, several leaders noted, "Ein umah Yisrael b'lo Medinat Yisrael - There is no Jewish nation without the State of Israel." With so many Jews not affiliating, and a diminishing consensus on how to be Jewish, Israel represents a point - a place - of convergence. 

Israel is a young country, and it's just getting started. I spent several days participating in the Jewish National Fund - USA's Israel at 75 Mission. We saw the Negev and JNF's efforts to develop the south of Israel and make it a place more people will live and visit. The group brought together Jews from around the country of different backgrounds, denominations, and affiliations. The common denominator is that Israel is the home of the Jewish people, and we can make a difference in making it better. 

Speaking of Israel as a place of convergence, I never visit without a crazy, chance encounter. Today, it was a former colleague who lives near the Windmill. I was coming back to the area by bus and was unsure where to get off. I chose a stop I thought was closest and started heading to my destination. One block later, we meet. Think of all the variables involved - his schedule, my schedule, my timing his timing. Israel is home, so it's the place we can expect to meet the people in our extended family. 

Israel is the place in which being Jewish is natural. That's part of its greatness. Just one month after Israel was created, the Rav spoke at a Mizrachi convention about the spiritual benefits of the Jewish State.

"With regard to redemption...life in Israel will to a certain extent be completely Jewish. I read in the press that the kitchens of the Israeli army are strictly kosher. When, on that fateful Friday, the establishment of the State of Israel was proclaimed, the ceremony was held eight hours early so as not to desecrate the Sabbath...I can assure everyone that Shabbat in Eretz Yisrael will be holier than it was in the Jewish neighborhood in Berlin, in the Frankfurt Ghetto, or even on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn...I also believe that in Israel, Santa Claus will not have as white a beard, and the radio will not play 'Silent Night, Holy Night...'"

There is a unique soul to being in Israel. I can also feel the specialness of Israel in the US, but it's not the same. I get chills watching videos of Yom Hazikaron, but it doesn't compare to being on Har Herzl when the two-minute siren goes off and speaking to bereaved families at the graves of loved ones. A blue and white cookie with some Israeli music and dancing are wonderful ways to celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut in America, but it doesn't compare with watching people of all ages celebrate late into the night. These feelings, emotions, and experiences can't be replicated in the diaspora. 

I realize the situation in Israel is complicated. There are internal challenges and external threats. Being here the last few days, though, reminds me that Israel is unstoppable.

I met with a member of Knesset from the Yesh Atid party, Moshe Tur-Paz. He is a Religious Zionist educator turned politician, and we have a lot of mentors in common. He is obviously opposed to the current government. At the same time, he remains optimistic because you can't stop Israel and the Jewish people. 

One has to have heart. 

Rabbi Dov Zinger, a noted educator and spiritual guide, introduced the musical Hallel at the Yom Ha'atzmaut outdoor service attended by 1,000 participants (and interrupted by an Israel Air Force jet flyover) by encouraging everyone to engage with Israel using the heart of Israel. He invoked the words of Yeshaya HaNavi (40:2) "Dabru al lev Yerushalayim" as a call to connect to Israel on a heart and soul level. 

There is the external Israel, and then there is the inner, deeper Israel. On an external level of headlines, politics, and challenges, it is hard to feel secure. From a "lev," internal vantage point, we have nothing to fear and everything to celebrate.