Pride in Israel on Yom Haatzmaut

By Rabbi Michael Schwab.

As you likely recognize, this year has been the toughest year in Israel’s history since 1973, the year of the Yom Kippur War.  And thus it has been one of the toughest years for the Jewish people as a whole.  In fact, Yom Hazikaron (Israeli Memorial Day), commemorated on Sunday night and Monday, was the most sad and poignant Israeli Memorial Day that I can remember experiencing.  At Beth El, we were privileged to have the young Israeli volunteers in the Shinshin program organize a powerful service that honored the thousands who died this year from terror or in battle.  Often during that service, tears fell from my eyes as I contemplated the devastating loss to so many Israeli families.  

And then, as Israeli tradition dictates each year, we began the celebration of Israel’s Independence Day, Yom Haatzmaut.  From the depths of sadness and contemplation of loss, we attempted to fill ourselves with gratitude and celebrate the amazing state which those for whom we just mourned, fought to create and preserve.  We celebrated Israeli culture through food, song and dance.  Together we brought joyous awareness to what a blessing the State of Israel is for us as a people and as individual Jews.  

And in the midst of all of the hatred and anger directed at Israel, Israelis and sometimes Jews in general, on Tuesday many of us in the Jewish community gathered together at Daley Plaza to participate in a public celebration of Israel highlighted by raising the Israeli flag alongside the flag of the United States and the City of Chicago in the middle of downtown.  The mood was both upbeat and serious as we celebrated Israel and Jewish life while denouncing Anti-Semitism, irresponsible, inaccurate and hateful criticism of Israel, as well as demanded that the world do everything it can to bring the hostages home.  Beth El brought two full buses of congregants to the rally and many more of our community members met us there.  It was a proud and wonderful moment.  

I am so blessed to be the Rabbi of this special and outstanding congregation.  I pray that Israel celebrates 76 more years and beyond.  Am Yisrael Chai!