As Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel's Independence Day approaches, I am filled with such a conflicting mix of emotions. We had such hopes, such dreams when Israel became a state in l948, and many of those dreams have been fulfilled. No one visiting Israel can remain unmoved by the successes Israel has accomplished over the past fifty-six years.
Eight of the twenty-eight towns built since Israel became a state have become major cities. Seventeen of the other towns have been adapted to meet the needs of the people living there. After some initial mistakes, Israel's Urban Planning Commission has succeeded with only a few exceptions in creating urban centers that are clean and thoughtfully laid out. Every trip to Israel has resulted in surprises at the speed at which new suburbs have been created. Neighborhoods rise even faster than here in Prescott. Despite serious water problems, the land is green. Israel has surpassed all expectations in creating high-tech industries. Israel has made huge strides in medical research, atomic research, computer research. The Department of Archeology has carefully maintained the integrity of Israel's ancient sites. And there is culture. Israeli artists have leaped out of the mold of kitch and are now recognized as international artists. Israeli composers are respected around the world.
Despite huge opposition from the Orthodox, the Reform and Conservative movements continute to grow and maintain a visible presence in the country. Thanks to the generosity of the Reform congregations in the United States, the Hebrew Union College campus in Jerusalem is beautiful, and the rabbinic seminary is now providing Israelis with Israeli-born rabbis. Most important, Israel has remained true to its original goal: to become a haven for every Jew in need of a homeland. Israelis willingly accept huge taxes to enable Jews from other lands to immigrate and assimilate into the Israeli culture. And Israel's citizens continue to put their lives on the line to maintain Israel's powerful defensive military. There is so much to be proud of and there is much to celebrate. And yet....
Israel is suffering incredible losses every day. There is no security. Anywhere, Israelis are struggling to maintain their sense of decency and humanity, and they are, on an individual basis, succeeding in many ways. But they have been worn down by the violence and the public displays of hatred by many Palestinians. The Israeli military policy of assassination remains tremendously controversial with strong voices on both sides, but the majority of Israelis support the action. The Israeli policy of demolishing homes of relatives of terrorists remains tremendously controversial with strong voices on both sides. The establishment of a Defense Fence separating Palestinians from major Israeli settlements remains tremendously controversial with strong voices on both sides. Sharon's plan to unilaterally withdraw from Gaza and parts of the West Bank is tremendously controversial with strong voices on both sides. Without all the details made public here, it's diffult to analyze the implications of this proposal. Everywhere there is pain, and beneath the pain there is anger. We here in the United States are still reeling from one day of terrible terrorist violence three years ago. Israelis are confronted with such horrors numerous times every day. And it's taking its toll. Gold Meir prophetically noted that the one thing we cannot forgive the Arabs for is "for making our children into killers."
And so, as Yom HaAtzmaut approaches, I am overwhelmed with a wild mix of feelings: pride in Israel's accomplishments, reverence for the land itself filled with memories and our history, anger that peace that seemed to have been so close was cynically thrown away by the Palestinian Authority, sorrow that both Israelis and Palestinians are suffering so much, pain that the ongoing terrorism is grinding Israelis' souls into vengeful molds, and frustration that no one seems to have any viable solutions for the horror that we witness every day.
Miraculously, American Jewish tours to Israel have increased. We are joining with our fellow Jews in Israel by visiting and financially supporting them. We are making it clear that Israel does not stand alone. Despite the warnings of our State Department, American Jews are visiting our sacred land in greater and greater numbers.
As a commmunity, we are relatively passive about Israel here in Prescott. I hope that this will change over the next couple of years. It requires a grass-roots movement to create community-wide programs supporting Israel. I trust that some of us will begin this important task.
Israel's national anthem is called "HaTikvah," The Hope. I will sing it more fervently this year. We pray for peace at every service. I find myself more deeply moved each time we sing that prayer. Israel has always been a land of miracles. We can use one now. May Israel's 56th year be one of strong movement toward peace. May it be one of security and growth. May it begin to see our personal involvement and commitment to Israel. We will celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel's Independence Day, at Shabbat Evening Services on May 14.
