I write these words as I travel back from a week in Israel. I
participated in a leadership mission organized by Mizrachi – Religious Zionists
of America. The goals of the trip were:
1) Show solidarity with the State and citizens of Israel
after a year of almost no tourism and while tourists are still greatly limited.
2) Reconnect with Israel as travel has begun to reopen
after shutting down during the pandemic, and strengthening that connection by
seeing places and hearing from people that are not on a typical tour itinerary.
3) Hear about the work of World Mizrachi and begin a
conversation on the role of Mizrachi – RZA in the United States.
It was an incredible trip which included visiting Lod and the
Gaza Border; meeting Members of Knesset, as well as Leah & Simcha Golden,
parents of Hadar z’l, who was killed during 2014 Operation Protective Edge and
whose remains are still held by Hamas 7 years later (along with those of Oron
Shaul); hearing from Torah personalities such as Chief Rabbi David Lau, Rabbi
David Stav, Rabbi Yosef Rimon, Rabbanit Shani Taragin, Rabbi Elyakim Levanon
and Rabbi Berel Wein.
The mission was a huge success, and I look forward to sharing my
experiences and impressions.
On Sunday we visited the Kotel tunnels. I had visited the
tunnels soon after they had first opened when I was studying in Yeshiva almost
25 years ago. I have visited a few times since, and most recently with my
family 3 summers ago. This time most of what I saw on the tour were things that
I had never seen before. The Old City of Jerusalem is still being excavated,
and they are constantly making new discoveries. We saw a stunning new shul
space opened, donated by Yitzchak Teshuva who owns Delek conglomerate.
(https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/239500
We were also shown a large public room that was utilized in the
years prior to the destruction of the 2nd Beit Hamikdash. While the room has
not yet been included in public tours, its discovery was featured this week in
the Times of Israel.
(https://www.timesofisrael.com/magnificent-2000-year-old-city-hall-unearthed-near-western-wall/)
They are in the process of transforming the Kotel tunnels into
a full scale lower level of the Kotel Plaza.
These two stops on that
tour reminded me that Israel has a rich history as well as a bright future. The
same lesson was impressed upon us when we visited the Shomron: we viewed a 1700
year old wine cistern, and then we visited the new Kabir Winery. For close to
2,000 years there was no wine produced in the Shomron. Only with the return of
Jewish farmers in the area after 1967 were vineyards replanted. Today wine from
the Shomron has been awarded international medals for its quality and taste.
We ensure Israel’s future by remembering her past, and we honor
Israel’s past by supporting and ensuring her future.
This is what Moshe was trying to teach the tribes of Gad and
Reuven. In response to their request to inherit land on the eastern bank of the
Jordan, Moshe reminds them of the tragic story of the Spies. He wanted to make
sure that the nation learned from the past and did not once again sabotage the
opportunity to enter the land.
When we put away the Torah we say “Chadash Yameinu K’kedem – renew
our days like those of the past.”
Let our connection to Israel be strengthened by our knowledge
of Israel’s rich history as well as our confidence in Israel’s glorious future.
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