At 75, the Jewish state defies definition

By Rabbi Irwin Huberman

Above all, Israel is a democracy. I have visited, toured and resided in Israel more than 15 times since 1976, and during that time, I’ve seen and experienced so much.

I was on the runway at Ben Gurion Airport in 1996 as Russian immigrants deplaned, kissing the tarmac, leaving antisemitism behind.

I have also been in the middle of protests as residents of the southern part of the country urged the government to make peace with its neighbors.

I have observed, first-hand, rescued Ethiopian Jews striving to improve their social and economic standing.

I accompanied my rabbinical mentor and his wife as they voted in fair and equitable elections.

I worked three summers on a kibbutz, feeling Israel’s soil under my fingertips.

I have heard the harrowing sound of a bus bomb in Jerusalem, and have broken bread in Palestinian homes.

I have observed LGBTQ couples walking in peace along Tel Aviv beaches.

I have witnessed Jews, Christians and Muslims on the same evening celebrating Shabbat, Hanukkah, Christmas Eve and Ramadan.

I have sat with Muslims and Christians waiting to be seen by a doctor within a country that extends free health care and education to all.

I have worshipped in Haifa at the Baha’i World Center, where prayers and teachings of all religions are honored.

I have observed joy, fear, elation and discord because above all, Israel is a democracy — the only one in the Middle East.

In its 75 years, immigrants have turned a largely untamed terrain into a lush, verdant landscape.

Indeed, Israel is traditionally viewed as the birthplace of the three Abrahamic religions, but that’s not all.

Israel boasts more startups per capita than any country in the world — many designed to feed the hungry, cure the sick, and protect the environment.

When natural disasters strike worldwide, Israel is often first on the ground offering medical assistance and expertise through its mobile hospitals.

Indeed, there are many opinions when it comes to Israel. Within the country itself, there is constant tension between those of different traditions.

I do not claim to have the answers. Besides, I am not an Israeli citizen or taxpayer.

But as I look upon Israel 75 years after its founding, I’ve observed — as the Torah defines it — “an eternal light” to establish a stable, fair and peaceful society.

Like all democracies, ours included, this one is not perfect — it produces the best and worst of human nature. Therefore, Israel defies simple definition.

It has accomplished so much in 75 years, carrying forward the vision voiced in 1896 by Theodor Herzl: “If you will it, it is no dream.”

Many opinions, many voices, so much to agree on, and so much yet to overcome. Like mine, there are so many stories and experiences to draw on as we reflect upon Israel’s unique 75-year history.

This is how a true democracy works.

And I for one, would not have it any other way.