Jews everywhere celebrate the many miracles that have contributed to the creation and maintenance of a vibrant, democratic, involved and passionate country whose independence was achieved 60 years ago. Sharon and I (along with Abe and Faith Schuster) were blessed with the opportunity to visit Israel this past year. We were impressed above all by the vibrancy of the Israelis and the passion with which they live their lives. Yet we could not fail to see the fault lines – physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual—that threaten this country and this land. Like all of creation, Israel's creation is a dynamic process, with its final contours hidden in the future. Israel’s Declaration of Independence calls for both a State for the Jews and a Jewish state. There is much to be done there to achieve a progressive and compassionate society. Issues in Israel go far beyond the overriding issue of its physical survival in hostile surroundings. Can Israel create harmony and commonality between the various factions of Jews, from the ultra-orthodox to the fully secular, and those in-between? Can special privileges now afforded to one bloc or another be realigned so that there is equality of opportunity as well as equality of burden-sharing? Can the differing branches of Judaism exist as co-equal, with mutual respect and mutual support? Of no less importance is the relationship between the 80% Israeli Jewish population and the 20% Israeli Arab population. Can Arab Israelis be expected to be loyal and patriotic citizens of Israel if there is evidence that they are treated as second-class citizens? Finally, any discussion of the fault lines in Israel has to mention the need for a leadership transformation that will give the government the courage and ability to confront, discuss, and address social issues that are apparent to all , in addition to dealing with the need to keep Israel safe.
The events that began sixty years ago are still unfolding. We do not yet know the full impact the creation of the State of Israel will have on Judaism worldwide. Clearly the mere fact that Israel exists profoundly affects us, individually and collectively. Changes in Israel – politically, culturally, and religiously – affect us even in this small corner of the world. I believe that the existence of the State of Israel will continue to challenge us, our children and our children’s children.
The Reform movement, struggling for its own place in the religious and political life of Israel, is a strong voice in support of progressive change in Israel. The Union for Reform Judaism and the Association of Reform Zionists of America strongly celebrate the accomplishments of the past sixty years and offer continuing support and encouragement to the goal of having a democratic, pluralistic and just society in Israel. I hope that we in the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community will lend our voices (and our money) to support progressive Judaism in Israel.
B'Shalom,
Paul
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