Israel’s 75th Birthday: What We Should Remember When Celebrating

Israel celebrates its 75th consecutive year as a sovereign nation this year. Of course, we all know that Israel’s history is much older. Still, Israel’s 75th Birthday is a monumental occasion. Yet, among the celebrations political unrest threatens the nation. Therefore, we must remember during this time, all the problems Israel has overcome. This too shall pass. G-d always answers when his people cry out.

Israel’s History

G-d’s people are not immune to adversity. Egypt enslaved us. Babylon and Assyria invaded us. Hitler tried to commit genocide against Jews. The people who claim to be Palestinian bomb us. Our Muslim cousins constantly threaten war.  Yet, Israel has prevailed and even prospered. When Egypt enslaved us we were delivered and given the promised land. When Hitler tried to annihilate us we arose victorious as a sovereign nation, and with much work, we have become a superpower on the world stage. Jews know how to survive and overcome. We know that G-d will always defend us.

Unrest Amongst Israel’s 75th Birthday Celebrations

The reason the current unrest feels so different is this time the attack is from within.  This time Jews are against Jews. The government of Israel is against its citizens and vice versa. As a citizen of The United States, I can tell you Political Polarization and unrest is a normal part of every Democratic nation’s history. This too will pass.

In the meantime, let us remember that in the end, G-d will win.  G-d’s plans for Israel always prevail in the end. However, let us also remember that we once lost the land for many years due to disobedience and idolatry. Therefore, let this remind us to return to G-d. Let us continue to obey the law. Let us love our brothers and offer them, Shalom, even though at the moment they may seem like the other. Remember that even though we disagree we are all still Jews and that bond must never be broken. Avoid the temptation to become like the other nations of the world, violent and ignorant. Do not give in to idolatry. Remain a people set apart. Love each other through this.

Job

When G-d allowed Job to be tested, Job didn’t curse G-d. He didn’t turn against his friends, though they certainly tempted him to do so.  They accused him of having done something to bring this on himself. He didn’t seek out another god. He lost EVERYTHING, including his family. Yet, Job stayed true to G-d and to Torah. Because he passed this test, all that he lost was returned to him double, and Job became the only man to be found “blameless before G-d.” Let us be like Job.

If we remember these things as we celebrate Israel’s 75th birthday, then we will see her have many more. If we forget, Assyria may come knocking. You have a choice. Choose Shalom. Smile at your brother in public and vote in private. Follow the law. Remember we are one. Be like Job. Let us pass this test and be found blameless before G-d.  Let us make it to celebrate Israel’s 100th birthday!!

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