The JTS Israel Mission 2003

'A country alive with smakhot...'

By Hilary Yohlin
Junior

We were in Israel for five days packed with activism training sessions, lectures, classes, touring, prayer, and, of course, ample time to support the Israeli economy! From our base in Jerusalem we traveled to Gilo, the Dead Sea, and Tel Aviv, visited Shaare Zedek Hospital, and met both formally and informally with people from all walks of life to learn about their experiences in Israel since the beginning of the intifada.

The short week I spent in Israel was awesome. I'd hoped for such an experience, but I was concerned. I had not been to Israel since two months before the start of the intifada and I was afraid to go back. I did not fear terrorist attacks; rather I feared return to a place that I did not recognize, a deserted shell of the country I used to know. I feared being a part of the Israel to which I wake up each morning when I turn on the news. I held tightly to the hope that the Israel I would experience would be the Israel of my memory, but, like many avid television viewers and newspaper readers, I worried that I would find the worst.

Alive with smakhot..

What I found however, is a country alive with smakhot (celebrations), beauty and a remarkable tenacity to continue to survive even as she faces her darkest hours.

My time spent in America, Israel, and at JTS has provided me with a myriad of experiences, each of which has revealed a different perspective of Judaism, Jewish life, and culture. As I continually synthesize and ponder these perspectives, I am consistently led to one basic thought: in order for the Jewish people to survive, we need the State of Israel to thrive.

We need her as a refuge, a home, a source of unity and stability. We need her, and we claim her, as a haven not only for Israelis, but for Jews all over the world. Thus it is just as much our duty as it is the Israelis' duty, to be responsible for her survival.

There are many ways to take responsibility for Israel's survival. I take responsibility by making travel to Israel a priority and by educating others, and myself, not only about her political climate, but also about her unique culture. You may take responsibility for Israel's survival by buying Israel bonds, by shopping for Israeli products or by sending tzedakah. You may travel to Israel on a vacation, a solidarity mission, or a summer program. You may send gifts to soldiers or become a soldier yourself. You may even feel compelled to make aliyah.

Our commitments to Israel need not be the same, she needs them all. Our commitments need only to grow and to strengthen, to become priorities in our lives. Most importantly, our commitments must be unfaltering and unconditional.

I made my personal commitment to Israel when I took my first breaths of Israeli air at the age of 13. This commitment is sacred in my heart, inherent in my soul. I urge you to make your unconditional commitment to Israel right now.

Pledge your hearts and your actions will follow suit. If we all choose to make these efforts, Israel will survive and the Jewish people will thrive.

[Posted 4/30/03]