Dale and I made our first
trip to Israel just a few weeks ago.
Both of us have been privileged to travel most of the world, and some of
it in depth. Opportunities to visit Israel frequently were presented, but for
reasons unarticulated, never happened. At last we committed ourselves to the
trip, and with help from friends an aggressive schedule was put into play. Our
expectations for the art, archeology, and religious tributes were high. How we
might handle the physical challenges of the trip was certainly of concern, as
was the potential ideological conflicts we might find between Israeli and
American Jews.
Just a little more drama
before sharing our thoughts about Israel. Dale and I landed in Israel early
Saturday morning, around 8:30 AM. Our plane landed on time, arrived at its gate
on time, we all deplaned with the normal instructions from the crew, and their
good wishes for an enjoyable visit. We traveled with only carry- on luggage, so
were quickly processed through customs, and escorted to our guide/driver. As we
departed the airport grounds we were informed that Israel brought down a drone that
came in from Syria, and had responded by launching twelve fighter jets to
conduct raids on specific targets. It was then that I knew this trip was going
to be unique.
From that moment on our trip
was the unfolding of one wonderment after another. Street by street, building
by building, person by person, city by city, we saw the sheer genius of Israel.
Everywhere you looked there were building cranes, more building cranes, and of
course tour buses. Walking through Israel heightened your senses of history,
rooted in the present, and allowed us to glimpse into the future.
As we learned more about
Israel from their perspectives, we were constantly reminded that every issue,
every topic is always introduced by the phrase, “it’s complicated.” When
agreements about facts are in dispute, the starting points for discussions are
at best fuzzy. Israel is going to celebrate its 70th anniversary,
and it is already a power house. It is working feverously to provide housing,
medical care, running water to drink and to use for other purposes, lights,
security, an environment that fosters creativity, and so much more. As a
first-time visitor, the proximity to hostile neighbors is totally appreciated.
Despite this persistent threat, Israel offers humanitarian aid to those close
and far. Currently the IDF forces provide medical help to wounded Syrians. Why
do they do this? Because according to Israel, it’s the right thing to do.
Not all of my friends always
think the courses of actions taken by the Israeli leadership is correct. At
times to my ears there is more criticism about Israel than celebrations about
their accomplishments and endeavors. Israel was created to be a safe home for
all Jews. A home for Jews to grow within and a home to heal within. I
definitely felt as though Israel is its own country, with its own challenges,
and with its own sense of maturity. It has accomplished a lot, not above taking
suggestions, but certainly beyond being lectured or told what is best for it to
do. It is complicated; securing peace is complicated. I only hope all Jews have
the wisdom, fortitude and patience to support what it takes both within and
without Israel to find peace.
Visiting Israel has certainly
impacted my thoughts about Passover. Yearly we are reminded that the struggle
for freedom is on- going, and is gained, sustained and enriched primarily
through incremental steps. What I see Israel has accomplished in so few years
is miraculous. Its creation provided the space for Jews world- wide to have
hope in our survival, and an opportunity to demonstrate what we are capable of
accomplishing. The struggle for freedom continues, much work remains. There is
more to celebrate than to criticize. My hope is that we learn how to promulgate
the good, as we all help Israel and ourselves to do better.
Clearly Israel is important
to all of us. It is the center stone of so much of what we are, and without it
we cannot be.
