February 2004

Israel: Now and Forever
Rabbi Mordekai Shapiro

I have recently returned from a brief visit to Eretz Yisroel and want to share some of my impressions with you.  One of the most frequent topics of conversation is “The Fence.”  I am sure you are familiar with the fact that the government of Israel has been implementing its decision to build a protective fence along its borders.  The purpose of the fence is to make it more difficult for the terrorists to penetrate the country and commit murder. Although a recent survey shows that 82% of the Israeli population approves of the fence, there are those who oppose it.  The opposition feels that the fence will create a hardship for Arab workers making it difficult for them to reach their jobs in Israel.  In addition it is alleged that the fence may separate families and delay medical treatment.  For the record, the fence is really a lengthy barrier made up alternately of deep trenches, chain link fence, 30 foot high barriers, crossing gates, rivers, Marine and guard dog patrols, armed civilian patrols, and military checkpoints.  It is the same combination of border protection which has been in place for decades on the United States-Mexico border.  No one really likes the idea of being fenced-in or fenced-out but a country needs to protect itself and murderers and so-called suicide bombers are no less a threat to civilized society than migrant farm workers or drug traffickers. 

Another much-discussed issue was the “undiplomatic behavior” of the Israeli Ambassador to Sweden, Zvi Mazal who, in protesting an exhibit glorifying suicide bombers, vandalized the exhibit at the Swedish Museum of National Antiquities.  In doing so, he referred to the exhibit as “an obscene distortion of reality.”  The diplomatic community was upset with his actions.  That’s just too bad.  Despite the murder of over 700 people and the crippling of thousands more, the world still does not get it.  Suicide bombers are cold-blooded murderers.  They are NOT martyrs or heroes.  They should not be glorified or admired.  Ambassador Mazal should be thanked for telling the world community in no uncertain terms exactly what he believed.  No apology is necessary.  Kol ha’Kavod!!!

Finally, one cannot escape the emotional charge to the psyche by just walking the streets of Yerushalayim.  This brief visit was spent in and around the Holy City.  I am ever drawn to the streets and alleys of the Old City and to the older sections of the city outside the ancient walls.  How do you describe Shacharit at sunrise at the Kotel Ha’Maaravi?  One morning, with the threat of rain hanging in the air, I arrived at the ancient site about an hour before sunrise.  Already there were over 500 people gathered in small groups.  Some studying Torah or Talmud, others reciting Tehillim, others meditating in preparation for davening.  There was even a family gathering for a Bar Mitzvah.  As the time for Shacharit drew closer, the groups separated further into the various units for davening.  Yeminite, Morrocan, Syrian, Hassidic (at least 5 different sects), a variety of Yeshiva groups, all staked out their place to daven according to their tradition and text.  As each group prayed in their own style and at their own speed, the cacophony of sound reverberated throughout the open plaza and off the stone walls of the inner protected areas.  Scores of others joined as cars and taxis brought more worshippers to the early morning services.  And, then as if by magic, at the exact moment of sunrise, all went silent, as hundreds of people reached the Amidah (Sh’moneh Esrei) at the same time, falling into a hushed whisper of prayerful concentration.  It is a moment I have experienced many times and a moment that always leaves an impact and impression on my heart and mind. 

If you haven’t been to Eretz Yisroel lately, now is as good a time as any to make the trip and renew your relationship with this glorious and wonderful place.