Reflections on Israel’s 75th birthday

By Rabbi Moshe Weisblum

Israel: the place where I was born and raised. The country I served proudly in the military. The home in which I received my education and built my family, and the very foundation of my people. Both my biblical forefathers and my modern-day ancestors traversed the territory on nothing more than a dream, and now it’s become a perennial home for Jewish people.

The country of Israel was founded 75 years ago for the purpose of renewal. After so many years of persecution, and enduring a Holocaust that necessitated sheltering and rebuilding, the establishment of the land of Israel served as a beacon and a safe haven — a place to start again.

Though the youth of today’s generation take Israel for granted, and think it undeserving of any special appreciation, those who were there in 1948 see it differently. For they remember sharing a vision and looking toward a destiny.

The courage and optimism that Israel’s founders showed back then encapsulates the heart and

By Rabbi Art Vernon

Last summer, I arrived in Ashkelon, a city in southern Israel, on Aug. 1. On Aug. 2, the Israel Defense Forces issued closure orders for communities and roads close to the Gaza Strip.

On Friday, the IDF began operations against terrorist groups in Gaza and launched Operation Alot HaShachar — Rising Dawn — against one of those groups, the Islamic Jihad.

Israelis were advised not to gather in groups of more than 10, to remain indoors, and stay close to “safe” rooms, since rocket attacks from Gaza were expected. Friday night, walking back to my apartment from dinner with friends, I noticed drones in the sky. All of sudden, several sped off in the direction of Gaza, and I heard several loud booms. Iron Dome — Israel’s missile defense system — had found its targets!

Again on Saturday afternoon, I left my apartment for some air and sirens sounded. soul of the Jewish people. The land is now beautiful, and its contributions are plentiful. Medicine, technology, and the arts have all been enriched by the intellectual rigor that’s come out of Israel and tremendous unity has emerged amongst its people. The human spirit rings true within its storied landscape, and the history of the Jewish nation — both its trials and survival — are preserved within its stones.

Crouching next to an apartment building, I heard three loud booms in the sky nearby, followed by puffs of smoke. Iron Dome was successful again.

In all, over three days, more than 1,200 rockets were launched toward Israeli cities. But fortunately, Iron Dome was able to intercept all that would have fallen on civilian populations. My family in Jerusalem and several friends contacted me regarding my safety. I chose to remain in Ashkelon. It was not an act of bravery on my part, but an act of solidarity with the people of Israel.

Art Vernon leads Congregation Shaaray Shalom in Franklin Square and West Hempstead.

For me, Israel is a land of spiritual awakening and endless possibility. A land in which Jewish people come into their own, and a destination they can call home.

On the grand occasion of its 75th anniversary. I celebrate its existence, pray for its longevity, and urge all who read this to visit this holy country. Moshe Weisblum leads Congregation Beth Tikvah in Wantagh.

In 2007, Israeli businesswoman Shari Arison initiated Good Deeds Day to encourage people to help each other. That year, 7,000 people took part in Israel. In 2019, 3.9 million people took part in 108 countries around the world.

Source: Israel21c.org