God, Torah, Israel, Part IV:  The Jewish Homeland
Sermon, Yom Kippur 5765
Rabbi Bruce Kadden

“In the land of Israel, the Jewish people came into being.  In this land was shaped their spiritual, religious, and national character.  Here they lived in sovereign independence.  Here they created a culture of national and universal import, and gave to the world the eternal Book of Books.

“Exiled by force, still the Jewish people kept faith with their land in all the countries of their dispersion, steadfast in their prayer and hope to return and here revive their political freedom.

“Fired by this attachment of history and tradition, the Jews in every generation strove to renew their roots in their ancient homeland, and in recent generations they came home in their multitudes.

“Veteran pioneers and defenders, and newcomers braving blockade, they made the wilderness bloom, revived their Hebrew tongue, and built villages and towns.  They founded a thriving society, master of its own economy and culture, pursuing peace but able to defend itself, bringing the blessing of progress to all the inhabitants of the land, dedicated to the attainment of sovereign independence….

“The state of Israel will be open to Jewish immigration and the ingathering of exiles.  It will devote itself to developing the land for the good of all its inhabitants.

“It will rest upon the foundations of liberty, justice and peace as envisioned by the prophets of Israel.  It will maintain complete equality of social and political rights for all its citizens, without distinction of creed, race or gender.  It will guarantee freedom of religion and conscience, of language education and culture.  It will safeguard the holy places of all religions….

“We call upon the Jewish people throughout the Diaspora to join forces with us in immigration and construction, and to be at our right hand in the great endeavor to fulfill the age-old longing for redemption of Israel.”

Any discussion of Israel must begin with these words, which were first read by David ben Gurion in Tel Aviv on the fifth of Iyar, 5708, as part of Israel’s Declaration of Independence.  These were the words which Israel’s founders used to express their understanding of the fulfillment of the eternal hope to return to the place where the Jewish people was born and to create a Jewish homeland.  These were the words that established the guiding ideals for this homeland, the vision of what it might be.

Some 56 years later, we can rejoice in the fact that Israel has accomplished much, perhaps more than any other country in the first half-century plus of its existence, despite being constantly at war with its hostile neighbors and with the Palestinians within its midst.  But we also recognize the significant challenges that Israel continues to face if it is to fulfill the ideals which its founders affirmed.

This morning, as I conclude my series of sermons on God, Torah and Israel, I turn to Israel the country, the homeland of our people.  I want to share with you some of the passion I feel toward Israel, and suggest ways that we, as American Jews, should support Israel.

The development of Zionism in the 19^th century and the return of multitudes of Jews to the land of Israel is one of the great events in all of Jewish history.  For centuries Jews prayed about Zion and the restoration of a Jewish homeland, prayed facing the land of Israel, but the dream of returning to the land remained a distant hope, part of the messianic vision that would mark the end of time.

But as nationalism swept through Europe, and it became clear that Jews were not to be included in the nationalistic fervor of the particular countries in which they lived, a Jewish nationalistic fervor was kindled. 

One of the first Jewish leaders to write seriously of a return to Zion was Rabbi Yehudah Alkalai.  Born in Sarajevo, he spent some of his youth in Jerusalem before becoming rabbi of Semlin, the capital of Serbia.  Rabbi Alkalai was influenced by the Kabbalistic teaching that the days of the Messiah were to be preceded by a forerunner of the ultimate Redeemer.  In 1843 he wrote, “We, as a people, are properly called Israel only in the land of Israel….The Redemption will begin with efforts by the Jews themselves; they must organize and unite, choose leaders, and leave the lands of exile…. Once the name of Israel is again applied to our land, all Jews will be inspired to help this company with all the means at their disposal.  Though this venture will begin modestly, its future will be very great.”

In 1902, Theodor Herzl wrote in his seminal work, The Jewish State.  “I believe that a wondrous breed of Jews will spring up from the earth.  The Maccabees will rise again.  The Jews who will it shall achieve their own state. We shall live at last as free men and women on our own soil and in our own homes die peacefully.”

I don’t have to recount the rest of the Zionist story, for we know it well.  Despite opposition of political leaders who controlled the land, first the Sultan of Turkey, then the British, despite two world wars which changed the political map, Zionist leaders never strayed from their goal of creating a Jewish state in the land of Israel. 

And on the 5^th of Iyar 5708, corresponding to May 14, 1948, the dream was realized when the British withdrew from the land and the Jews declared independence.  But although the long wait for an independent state was over, the challenges were only beginning, as Israel immediately found itself at war with all of its neighbors.  Indeed, Israel has continually been at war throughout its existence.  And despite signing peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, it remains in a fight for its very survival. 

We, as American Jews, play a crucial role in Israel’s struggle.  We are, by far, the largest, most affluent and strongest Jewish community in the world.  And we happen to live in the most powerful country in the world, the only ally that Israel can consistently count on for financial, military and political support.  As Jews we have obligations to support the Jewish state, and as American Jews we have additional obligations to assure that the United States remains a strong supporter of Israel.  Let me suggest a number of ways that we can show that support.

One of the most important ways to support Israel is to visit.  Spending time in Israel not only directly supports the economy, but just as importantly demonstrates to Israelis our commitment.  In fact, a poll indicated that by a margin of two to one, Israelis consider tourism as the most important support that we who live outside of Israel can offer.

The Israeli economy depends, to a great extent, on tourism.  When tourists flock to Israel, the economy thrives.  But when tourists stay away, as has happened in recent years, the economic impact is devastating.  Museums and other tourist sights are forced to curtail their hours.  Hotels and restaurants are forced to close.  Cab drivers, tour guides and others who depend on tourism are often financially devastated.

The good news is that last year tourism numbers increased significantly.  Almost 221,000 North American Jews visited Israel, more than in any previous year.  And so far this year, the numbers are up.  I know that many of you have been there recently, and others are already planning trips for the coming months.

Once again this year, the Israel Ministry of Tourism and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations is sponsoring Project Go Israel to promote visits to Israel.  When you entered the synagogue this morning you should have received a card as part of this campaign.  If you are planning a trip, or are interested in participating in a trip complete and return the card.

There are organized trips for virtually every age and interest.  There are trips for high school students through NFTY, Young Judea, BBYO and many other organizations.  There are extended study opportunities such as EIE and Alexander Muss.  Those of college age have the opportunity for a free trip through the Birthright program or a variety of other extended educational opportunities.  Registration has just started for the winter Birthright trips which run from late December through late February.  If you are 18-26 years old and have not been to Israel as part of an organized group, consider going on one of these trips.  If you have a child or grandchild in that age group, urge him or her to go.  There may not be any such thing as a free lunch, but there is such a thing as a free trip to Israel for 18-26 year olds.

For adults and families, the opportunities are numerous as well.  Many Jewish organizations sponsor trips and it is also possible to go on one’s own.  I hope to be organizing a trip some time next year.  What is most important is to decide now that this is something that you are going to do.

Many people are afraid to go to Israel because of concerns of terrorism.  I, of course, cannot guarantee that nothing will happen if you go.  But I can honestly say that because of the security measures that Israel has taken, I feel safer when I am there than I do when I am here.  If one uses common sense and follows the guidelines which most groups suggest that include not taking public transportation and not going to large public gatherings, then one is as safe as one can be.

Every American Jew should visit Israel at some point in his or her life; if you have gone before, why not consider going again?  Israel is an incredible country, not only because so much of our history occurred there, but also because of what it has created in the last 56 years.  For most Jews, going to Israel is like going home.  Visiting Israel will strengthen your identity as a Jew and give you a greater appreciation of k’lal Yisrael, the greater community of Israel.

Besides traveling to Israel, it is important that we support Israel financially.  There is no shortage of Israeli organizations that deserve our support.  In fact, it is often difficult to decide between them.  I want to mention just a few.

The United Jewish Communities, formerly the United Jewish Appeal or UJA, provides support for a variety of social service and educational programs in Israel.  It is the largest and most comprehensive organization helping Israel, and deserves the support of every American Jew.  Through a donation to the Tacoma Jewish Community Fund Drive/UJC, you can join other families in our community supporting Israel, as well as other worthwhile Jewish organizations.

Make no mistake about it, Israel needs our financial support.  These last few years of terrorism have significantly increased government expenditures on defense, which already comprise a disproportionate percentage of the national budget.  Social service programs, which support new immigrants, the poor, and the physically and mentally challenged are stretched to the limit.  By contributing to the UJC, you will contribute to the largest combined effort to support Israel’s social service network.

Another organization that deserves our support is the Jewish National Fund.  Long before Israel became a state, the Jewish National Fund not only began planting trees, but also providing funds for new settlements and development.  Virtually every kibbutz, moshav, and new community has been established with Jewish National Fund support.

Israel’s climate is not as conducive to the growth of trees, vegetation and agriculture, as is Washington’s.  The Jewish National Fund has literally made the desert bloom, turning swamps into arable land and barren hillsides into forests.  In more recent years it has been more involved in ecology and conservation efforts, assuring that Israel makes best use of its limited natural resources.  Planting trees in Israel is an appropriate way to honor or memorialize someone who cared about Israel.

There are, of course, many other worthwhile Israel organizations that we should support.  Hadassah, for example, does a wonderful job educating Jews and non-Jews about Israel, as well as providing significant support to Hadassah Hospital and all of its incredible medical programs.  And ARZA-World Union offers much needed support to Reform congregations in Israel.  It is not as important which organizations we support as it is that we give generously to organizations that support Israel and directly help Israelis in need.

Besides visiting Israel and providing financial support, we must also speak out for Israel here at home, and assure that our political leaders strongly support Israel.  United States government support of Israel is absolutely vital, and our participation in the political process is a crucial part of that support.

Now, that does not mean that all of us are always going to agree with everything Israel does.  Within Israel itself there is often vociferous debate on virtually every issue and an extremely wide variety of opinions.  Indeed, Israel’s parliamentary system insures that minority voices are heard loudly and clearly on the floor of the K’nesset.  As American Jews, we too have a right to express our opinions.

However, two important factors should guide our public comments.  First of all, since we do not live in the land of Israel, we do not have do live with the day to day consequences of issues relating to security and defense.  We should therefore be willing to give the Israeli government the benefit of the doubt when it comes to these matters. 

When the Security Fence was first proposed, for example, there were many voices of objection from the Jewish community.  But as the effectiveness of the fence as a deterrent to terror has been proven in areas where the fence has been erected, criticism of the fence among American Jews has all but disappeared.  There is, to be sure, ongoing debate concerning the route of the fence in certain places, but these are relatively minor matters. 

The second factor that should guide our speaking out is that many of Israel’s detractors are looking for ammunition to criticize Israel and to undermine American support for Israel.  They would like nothing better than to point to a divided Jewish community with a significant segment opposing Israel.  Therefore, if and when we object to a particular policy or action, we should express that objection in appropriate forums in our community and not on the opinion page of the newspaper or in a public forum.  And we need to be absolutely certain that our objection is understood in the context of our overall love and support for Israel.

One organization that assures that our support for Israel is heard clearly by elected officials is AIPAC, the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee.  First let me say that AIPAC is not a PAC, a political action committee.  In fact, as a registered lobby AIPAC is prohibited from financially supporting candidates for public office.

What AIPAC does better than any other organization is lobby members of Congress of both political parties, as well as the White House, in support of Israel.  It helps assure that matters of importance to Israel, from foreign aid to security, receive appropriate support.  AIPAC educates all members of Congress and other elected officials with regard to Israel and the Middle East.  More than any other group, it is responsible for the solid support that Israel has among Democrats and Republicans.

Besides supporting AIPAC, each of us should directly contact our political leaders and encourage them to support Israel.  If you are visiting Washington D.C., take the time to meet with your representative or our senators or their staff members.  Or make an appointment to meet with your representative locally.  When an important issue is before Congress, make a phone call or send an e-mail to make sure your voice is heard.  That is what our political process is all about.  We are fortunate to live in a country where we can freely express our opinions and should take full advantage of this opportunity.

Israel needs our help and support in all of these areas.  As we begin a new year, I ask you to consider the ways that you will support Israel this year.  As individuals and as a community we must show our support for Israel, our homeland.

Just as there is only one appropriate way to begin a discussion of Israel, there is also only one appropriate way to end.  It is with these words written by Naphtah Herz Imber 120 years ago:
          “So long as still within the inmost heart a Jewish spirit sings,
           so long as the eye looks eastward, gazing toward Zion,
           our hope is not lost—
           that hope of two millennia,
           to be a free people in our land,
           the land of Zion and Jerusalem.

May 5765 see us come closer to realizing that hope.

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