On Rosh Hashanah, Here’s Why Israel Matters

Our task, on this Rosh Hashanah and every day following, is to work to change the conversation: first in the American Jewish community and then around the globe.

It’s not enough to simply defend Israel’s right to exist; we need to spend more time talking about the incredible gift we and the rest of the world have been given by the existence of the modern Jewish State of Israel.

In his recent book, The Promise of Israel, Rabbi Daniel Gordis writes about how we need to refocus our conversation about Israel to the values that the Jewish State provides—not only for the Jewish people, but also for the entire world. Gordis writes:

“What is at issue between Israel and the international community is whether ethnic and national diversity ought to be encouraged and promoted. Israel has something to say about the importance of human difference that is at odds with the prevailing attitudes in the world today. It is a country that insists that people thrive and flourish most when they live in societies in which their language, their culture, their history and their sense of purpose are situated at the very center of public life.”

Gordis posits that Israel is unique because it is Jewish. Unlike the United States, Israel was not designed to be a multinational melting pot. If someday Israel were to have an Arab majority and elect a Muslim prime minister, it would be a catastrophe because the modern State of Israel was created for the purpose of providing a homeland for the Jewish people and to show the world what we as Jews stand for and believe in. It is for this reason that the Two-State Solution is a necessary step in creating peace in the Middle East.

The State of Israel is different than any other nation in the world today. Yes, it exists in order to ensure that the Jewish people will always have a homeland. But it also serves as an example of the power of a people to infuse 4,000 years of history and tradition into the building of a modern nation that embodies the highest aspirations toward which humanity can reach.

Out of the ashes of the Shoah the Jewish people created a vital and complex country that serves as a beacon of democracy, intellect, artistic genius and economic success for the entire world to see.

Of course, there are problems. The specter of a nuclear Iran poses an existential threat. There is civil war in Syria. The peace treaty with Egypt may be jeopardized with the new Islamist government. Hamas continues to shell the south with rockets … the list is long and frightening.

If we put these issues aside for a moment—and only for a moment—we also know that Israel is threatened—not only by external enemies, but by internal divisions as well—fueled by some of the same intolerance, bigotry and fundamentalist worldviews that plague its neighbors. But there is one difference: Jewish tradition teaches that we need to confront our differences—openly and honestly. To do otherwise would be a Chilul Hashem—a profaning of the Divine Name.

How many of Israel’s neighbors, in the aftermath of the recent anti-American and anti-Israel demonstrations, have gone through a Cheshbon Ha-Nefesh—soul searching? Where are the voices of the imams and teachers of the Muslim world who are condemning violence? If they are there, they have been silenced.

The world needs Israel because Israel has so much to teach the rest of the world. If, for example, instead of demonizing the Jewish state, Israel’s enemies attempted to emulate her successes, think of what could be accomplished.

I feel very strongly about these issues. My convictions are deep, because I am a Zionist. I have always been a Zionist. Ahavat Eretz V’Am Yisrael—a love of the land and people of Israel is central to understanding of who I am—as a Jew and as a human being. And I also believe that most of you feel the same way.

We are all Zionists because the State of Israel, the land and people of Israel—warts and all—is central to our historic and spiritual birthright as Jews. Throughout our history the land of Israel has been inexorably linked to our self-understanding.

When we pray, we face Jerusalem. During Passover, at the end of our Seder, we pray: “L’Shanah Ha-Ba-ah B’yerushalayim—Next year in Jerusalem.” In our prayer books, in our poetry and music, in every age, Jews have been spiritually and physically connected to this land. Zionism is a movement that is the natural outgrowth of that connectedness.

Our task, as we welcome this New Year, is to celebrate the State of Israel. We need to change the conversation about Israel and understand that we have the ability and the responsibility to be proud of what our people have created.

I also want to encourage you to find ways to travel to Israel. Whether it is your first trip or your 10th, there is no better way to truly understand your relationship with the Jewish State and the Jewish people.

May the coming year bring peace to Israel and the world. May all of us come to appreciate and share our love for the State of Israel and our faith.

For the original article, visit israelforever.org.