Most recently, I came across an article in an Israeli newspaper that struck a chord with me. It was written by an Israeli journalist who had made the most unfortunate decision to leave Israel and move to Germany. In many ways, his perspective was painfully realistic. He pointed to the country’s security challenges, crowded streets, and an economy in which Israelis often work longer hours than people in many OECD countries while earning less and paying more for basic groceries. And, of course, he mentioned the upcoming elections and the possibility that the results could leave the country deeply divided. Ultimately, he reached a heartbreaking conclusion: that there was no future in Israel for his children and family. Tragically, he decided to leave the country.
Shortly after reading the article, I was reminded of a story told by the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth (UK). Rabbi Sacks recounted a ride in a taxicab with his wife during a trip to Eilat, the city at the very southern tip of Israel. After discovering that Rabbi Sacks and his wife were from London, the driver responded enthusiastically. Acknowledging the green grass, beautiful buildings, castles, orderliness, outward politeness, and other things he had seen during a recent trip to London, the taxi driver said, “London! What an incredible place!” Then he looked out the window at the barren mountains of Eilat and said four words: “But this is ours.”
We must always remember those four words. Israel certainly has its fair share of problems and challenges. But at the end of the day, this is the land of the Jewish people and the one and only Jewish state. This is the land where, after two thousand years of exile, the Jewish people miraculously returned home, restored national sovereignty, and established an army through which the Jewish people can once again, with God’s help, protect and defend itself. This does not mean that we should dismiss or ignore the many matters and issues in the country that must be addressed and fixed. If there are problems, they must be confronted. And if there are “leaks” in the “roof,” we should never abandon our home. Rather, we should resolve to repair the leaks.
For thousands of years, Jews have prayed toward Jerusalem, where the Shechinah, the Divine Presence, will dwell for eternity. Generation after generation dreamed of returning to the Holy City and to the greater Land of Israel. Today, exactly as the Hebrew prophets foretold, Jewish children once again play in the streets of Jerusalem. Enormous challenges lie ahead. But there is something profound about belonging to a home, a place that is uniquely ours. And with that belonging comes responsibility: to care for our home, to strengthen it, to protect it, and to help build a better future for the generations who will come after us.
As we begin the Jewish New Year of 5787, we are immensely grateful to all those like you who continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Israel, and more especially, with the pioneers in Judea and Samaria. Thank you for believing that Israel is worth building, defending, strengthening, and loving. And most of all, thank you for your continued support and friendship with all of us in the Biblical Heartland!
May the coming year bring you and all your loved ones peace, security, strength, and hope!
Shmuel Junger
Executive Director