Why Israel?

Why are so many people fascinated with Israel? Why have Jews been so obsessed with the place? Why would philanthropists, the Government of Israel and Jewish communities invest so much money to enable you to visit the place?

For most of Jewish history the question wasn't even a question. Your great great grandparents faced Jerusalem three times a day in their daily prayers and they prayed for the return to Zion and rebuilding of the Temple. Your own grandparents probably were touched and ignited by the struggle to create the new Jewish State in the years after the Holocaust.

You are the first generation in 2,000 years to live in a world in which a thriving Jewish state is a given fact. And for you and your world the question "Why Israel?" is a real question - and one that deserves some answers.

Roots
The origins of the Jewish people as a people are in the land called Israel. The historical, cultural and religious roots of Jews are as the "children of Israel" who lived in the Land of Israel (the word "Jew" comes from the word "Judea:" the largest of the tribes of Israel in Biblical times). Everything that is at the core of the early history of the Jews is linked to Israel. The Bible and its early heroes (patriarchs and matriarchs, Moses, David and Solomon) are rooted in the Land of Israel. The great prophetic ideas such as justice, equality and peace, which have shaped world history, were formulated in the Land of Israel. The roots of the Jews as a historical people are in the soil of Israel and our culture teaches us of the yearning to return to that land when we were exiled from it.

The Bible
Israel is the land of the Bible and as one scholar says, "the Bible is the original super story!" It is a book that has shaped the art, music, thought and behavior of millions of peoples throughout world history. Israel is the place where the Bible was written and in it is told the saga of the Jewish people who lived there.

Memories and Dreams
Throughout history Jews developed an ongoing and life-long love affair with Israel. Amazingly, whether in Israel or not, Jews never forgot the Land of Israel. They referred to it in their prayers, in their weddings and even when building a new home. Jews continue to face towards Jerusalem in their synagogues and have continued to give money to the Jewish community in Israel throughout the ages. It became part of the memory and dreams of Jews.

The Pillars of Judaism
Israel was turned into one of the key pillars of Judaism - along with the God of Israel, the Torah of Israel and the People of Israel. With a few exceptions, Israel was not seen as a replacement for Judaism but rather as an integral part of it. The Jewish religion made Israel a religious idea and collective vision and turned it into one of the cornerstones of Jewish religious civilization.

Jewish Pride and Renewal
In modern times Israel has become a remarkable statement about the ability of the Jewish people to renew itself after the nightmare of the Holocaust. Israel made Jews proud because it saved the lives of Jews, renewed Jewish cultural creativity and study and spoke in the name of Jewish values. Israel became a daily reminder that Judaism as a religion is alive and well and that Jewish nationalism and culture are equally important in the definition of the "New Jew." Israel represents the ideological revolution in which Jews became the "subjects" of history rather than the "objects." Jewish national pride has been inspired by the actions of farmers and soldiers, high-tech wizards and social reformers, who have labored to create a just and healthier society.

The Old and the New
Modern Israel is striking proof that a very old religion can survive in a very modern world. Israel is the Western Wall of old - and art galleries and coffee houses of today. It is the holiness of Shabbat in Jerusalem - and the beat of Saturday night in Tel Aviv. It is archeology of the past - and high tech and business of the future. Israel shows that Judaism can be old and new at the same time.

About Jews
Israel is about Jews. It is about saving Jews; it is about Jews being able to live regular lives. It is about Jews learning how to live with each other. It's about a Jewish state that sometimes makes mistakes and is not perfect, but that still strives for social justice and protects democratic values. Ultimately, maybe it's not philosophy, theology or history - it's about real live people who are our brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles and family.

So, Why Israel?

It's a central part of Jewish history, culture and religion.

It's part of our family.

It's part of the general culture in which we live.

It's a beacon of Jewish pride and creativity.