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May 24, 2002/Sivan 13 5762, Vol. 54, No. 36
Visiting Israel a sign of optimism
SHERMAN MINKOFF
Special to Jewish News
Some of us are old enough to remember the birth of the State of Israel. We remember the United Nations General Assembly vote in November 1947, which called for the partition of Palestine and the creation of independent Jewish and Arab states.
We recall May 14, 1948, when the leaders of the yishuv (settlement) proclaimed the establishment of the new Jewish state, and the following day, when the armies of five Arab countries attacked the newly born Jewish state.
We experienced enormous pride upon the success of the Israel Defense Force in the Six-Day War of June 1967. We remember returning to our homes after Yom Kippur services in 1973 and watching TV reports about the surprise attack by Arab enemy states. Although surrounded by treacherous neighbors, a modern and extraordinary state has been created and has been supported by American Jews.
We have developed a visceral attachment to the state. We have sent money to Israel, we have traveled to Israel and we have studied in and about Israel. We have incorporated into our liturgy new prayers for the welfare of Israel. We have sent our children to learn and travel there hoping that these experiences would create for them a similar strong bond to Israel and to Judaism. Some of us made aliyah; others contemplated aliyah.
During the past 20 months, our dedication to Israel has been tested. While Israelis have struggled against terrorism, we American Jews, concerned for our safety, have stopped traveling to Israel. We have stopped sending our children to the Israel programs we had hoped would impact strongly upon their Jewish identification. The sharp decrease in face-to-face encounters between American Jews and Israelis has attenuated our closeness and weakened our relationship.
How may we restore our robust connection to Israel? Recent events offer a glimmer of hope. After Operation Defensive Shield, the number and frequency of terrorist attacks has sharply diminished. President Bush and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon have agreed upon the need for reform in the Palestinian Authority and even some Palestinian leadership is encouraging reform. Moderate Arab states have joined the call for reform and a renewed peace process. Cautious optimism seems appropriate. How should we react?
In this moment of guarded optimism, let us renew and strengthen our bond to Israel. Let us start to think about being in Jerusalem next year. With God's help, let peace come to Israel and let us be there with our children to enjoy the blessing of peace in the land that has been our spiritual home during the past 3,000 years.
Why not start planning your trip to Israel now?
Sherman Minkoff is chairman of the Israel Affairs Committee for the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.
For information about supporting Israel, contact the JCRC at 602-274-1800 ext.135 or jcrc@jewishphoenix.org.
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