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May 30, 2003/Iyar 28 5763, Vol. 55, No. 40
What is truly best for Israel?SARA PEARWe often talk about what is best for Israel right now, maybe at our Shabbat tables, perhaps in daily conversation, or in a political discussion with friends. We all want to do something.We recently observed the holiday of Passover, which celebrates Jewish freedom. At the end of a traditional seder we say the words B'shanah Haba'ah B'Yerushalayim, "that next year may we celebrate in Jerusalem." How often do we really mean this? And if we do mean this, why when Israel needs us most does it seem that we are there the least? We are so supportive in standing with Israel, hosting Israelis that come to America, educating our children and families, and sending monetary aid to Israel. My parents taught me that the most precious commodity in life is one's time. I spent the week of Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day, in Israel. During this most troubling time in Israel, tourism has been at its lowest. Teen tours have been cancelled and Birthright Israel can't give away a free trip. Ben Yehuda Street is empty of American tourists, and so many of the great stores, restaurants and hangouts that used to be bursting at the seams have gone out of business because of the economic hardships. Despite the terrorism and the fear that a human bomb could strike again, life continues. The buses remain full of Israelis, the cafes that are still open serve the best coffee, and life for Israelis continues as usual. I was amazed at the greetings I received from Israeli vendors surprised to see Americans coming to Israel and supporting the nation, its economy and the Jewish Israeli community. I was a little more careful this trip. I did not choose a seat right in front of the cafe. I didn't ride the bus. Yet, I was able to travel peacefully. Do not let the media fool you. Israel is not a place exploding with danger but rather exploding with culture, Judaism and the essence of a Jewish homeland. They forget to show you the two young boys pushing the elderly man in his wheelchair to synagogue or the Israelis hanging flags on their homes and businesses for Yom Ha'Atzmaut, or the Jewish child sharing mud at the Dead Sea with an Arab child. Let's continue to give our money, lobby Congress, write letters, and give our support to Israel, but I encourage everyone in this community to travel to Israel in its 55th year of independence and enjoy the fruit of our labors. Be a part of Israeli culture and partake in the beauty of the Dead Sea and the Western Wall. Let our Israeli brothers and sisters know that we have not abandoned them during this struggle, but that we truly stand beside them. Our challenge is to say the words, B'shanah Haba'ah B'Yerushalayim and really mean them. Let our actions speak louder than our words. Sara Pear works at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center and has family in Israel, including her brother, Rabbi Ian Pear. E-mail her at SaraP@vosjcc.org. |
