About a week ago I sent a group of fellow Israel supporters a few links to articles (see below) about really good news from Israel. My favorite represents a model for peaceful cooperation between nations and hope for the future.
One of the recipients wrote back to me. “Great news all right” he wrote. “But what about...,” and then he went on to list some of the challenges facing Israel that we read about almost every day, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, the “brain drain,” public opinion polls, Lebanon, Israel’s relations with Europe, uncertainty about American support under a new administration, “etc. etc.”
My response was this:
Yes, there are many problems and there is much uncertainty. I'm sure there always will be. It is only some short weeks ago that we read "in every generation..." As you point out, there is so much in the news that is negative, so much in the news that can damage our confidence, so much to bring us down. Yet there is (in my opinion) not nearly enough in the news that gives us hope, strengthens our confidence, lifts us up, highlights the good, focuses on achievements and accomplishments and mitzvot.
These articles are about just a few of the great things happening in Israel that we don't hear enough about. That the country is strong both militarily and economically. That the international business community has confidence doing business in Israel and sees value in doing so. That tourists, many of them undoubtedly Jews, have greater confidence in traveling to Israel as well as the desire to make the trip and strengthen their personal connection to Israel and Israelis. And that mutual respect, acceptance, friendship, peace and cooperation among nations can overcome almost anything, including making the desert bloom and at the same time provide food and livelihood for people.
These are the things that will overcome terror and impact domestic and international opinion. These are the things that we work for and defend. Israel is a miracle and we are so lucky to be witnessing it!
I hope you agree! Here are the links to the articles I referred to.
A million Israeli olive trees will make Indian desert bloom for farmers
Tourists Flock to Israel
Israeli Economy Weathers Global Storm
Microsoft opens new R&D facility in Israel
Check the May archives to read my first posting for June publications.
