Timing, apparently, isn't everything.
I am going to Washington next week to learn more about what is happening in the Middle East, particularly in Israel, and then go on the Hill to discuss the complex and challenging situation there with our members of Congress and their staff and advocate for the strong US/Israel relationship.
Not the best time to head to Washington.
I was just there a few weeks ago. I also have a Bat Mitzvah to prepare for next week. Granted, the young lady is incredibly poised and ready, but I will not even be close to prepared. It is also a lot of driving; we just got back from graduation. And the following week, Marilyn and I will be in DC moving our daughter in as she begins her summer internship.
So many reasons to just say: I will just go next time.
But tonight begins Yom Ha-atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day. Perfect timing to remind me that this is not a bad time to go and offer support for Israel.
Looking back on now over 30 years of sermons, I am somewhat taken aback by how many of them have been been about Israel and the importance of the cherished friendship that exists between our two countries. And the number of posts on Facebook and tweets regarding Israel (posted two just this morning). Talk about being a "Johnny One Note" rabbi. It seems that as important as G-d and Torah is for me, nothing has been more important, worthy of more words, and considered more holy than to speak on Israel. I am actually rather astonished by how often I have reminded my congregation that Israel's right to exist is not negotiable, that a Jewish state is of absolute necessary and firmly established by international law and by historical claim. That Zionism, the movement that affirms that Jews like any other people have a right to self-determination, is a legitimate expression of our people's nationalism. That Israel has the right, as any country does, to defend her citizens and that we, as Jews, must continue to proudly stand with the only Jewish state.
I can see why for nearly the last decade, it has been rather natural for me to want to work with our members of Congress in West Virginia who genuinely understand that no other state in the world faces Israel's dual challenge: a denial of her right to exist and the constant threat of terror and annihilation.
Even if I could convince myself that I have done enough already, tonight is Yom Ha-Atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day. Despite the timing next week, it is always the right time to go and support Israel.
If I ever needed a reminder, tonight is that reminder. It is Israel's 68th year of existence and it is a noble endeavor to advocate for her safety. It is a sacred task to push back against the de-legitimization against Israel that is all too prevalent around the world and now even in parts of America . To fight the boycott, divestment, and sanction movement against the Jewish state. To advocate for two states for two people and to lobby Congress to help provide Israel with the tools, like Iron Dome and military assistance to protect herself. To work tirelessly to see to it that there is no space between the U.S. and Israel. To ask anyone who will listen to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish State.
Listen, I am on the left of center when it comes to Israeli policies and actions. Every day, I find myself arguing with fellow supporters of Israel. While some insist I am too far to the right, most say I am too far to the left in my community. I agree. In fact, if you have issues on a particular Israeli leader or policy that troubles you, get in line... behind me.
But next week, several hundred of us, people on the right, on the left, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, on every side of the political divide in America will roll up our sleeves and work together to make the case that the state of Israel deserves our support, that face to face negotiations are the only way to a lasting peace and that the US must continue to help the Jewish state maintain her qualitative military edge in that region.
Last week, many of us joined in commemorating Yom Ha-shoa, Holocaust Remembrance. Day. And yet, to mourn the fate of the Six Million without recognizing the necessity for a Jewish homeland is to not understand the lesson of the last century. Or Jewish history. Or the Jewish faith. Jews are not just about the Holocaust, anti-Semitism and hatred. We are about being a people, a nation connected to a land. The land of our ancestors. A place where Jews can choose to live in and celebrate as a majority, the only place in the world where that is possible. A land where we could flee to for safety and refuge because that has far too often been our people's fate.
Only with no place to go.
Tonight is a reminder that the downtrodden, the persecuted, and the wandering Jew is home again. Tonight is about the Jewish people who after 2000 years have rejoined the families of the world and are doing our part to contribute as a nation in the fields of medicine, science, environmental breakthroughs and energy technology.
Israel has once again become our people's shining "city on the hill", the place that Jews should and must feel a sense of unbridled happiness and pride. We are a people again.
Tonight is Yom Ha-Atzmaut and tonight is why I am excite to be going to DC next week, timing be damned. I am grateful, so very grateful to G-d for our Jewish homeland and I will speak of her with joy and with passion on the pulpit, on Facebook and in the halls of Congress.
Every chance I get.
Am Yisrael Chai. The People of Israel Live.
