Eva Ashner

By Eva Ashner

Israel is a Marvel! It has been through several wars and, still today is surrounded by unfriendly neighbors. Through it all the Israelis have always weathered the storm with great strength,

unwavering optimism, courage and above all a sense of humor. Unfortunately, as life continues in a much more relaxed manner, its people have to always be on the alert, always have to look over their shoulders.

Every time my husband and I have been to Israel, we marvel at what its people have made out of the desert. On my first trip, in 1969, Israel was still in its infancy where the Judean Hills were

pristine, Tel Aviv was a big city without the skyscrapers, Eilat had but one hotel and decaffeinated coffee was not heard of there. Jaffo was known mainly for its oranges and excavation in Caesarea had just begone. But Haifa was as we know it today. We are very

fortunate to have wonderful relatives living in the Haifa area who, when we visit, always plan daily outings and always to different places that the tourists never get to see.

With Israeli continued courage, determination, ingenuity, perseverance, chutzpah and the moral and financial support from the diaspora, Israel will always continue to exist and there always will be a Jewish homeland.

Happy 70th Birthday Israel!!!

May the coming years be filled with Tikva and Shalom!