Articles in Spanish without translation: (ver:
JULIO 2002)
By Eduardo Keibel
Throughout the past few weeks and months, we have stood in awe at some declarations made by Costa Ricans concerning the Israeli-Palestine conflict. Is this because of ignorance? Misinformation? Alzheimer? Or perhaps some other intention unknown to me? But it causes enormous damage to try to erase History. I am no expert, but let’s think back a little.
At the end of World War II, Palestine was under the rule of Great Britain. Since the end of the 19th century, the Jewish community had been building their state and hoping for independence. Proof of this were the schools, hospitals, roads, hundreds of kibbutzim, theaters, reforestation, water channeling, even a city built on sand (Tel Aviv), the first symphonic orchestra, the first university. It had an administrative system, as well as one for defense. It was Great Britain, with the support of the Arab and Palestinian community and the Arab League, the one to take the problem before the United Nations, hoping that the Jewish pretensions would be stopped and they would be able to continue their rule over the territory.
In the United Nations, a committee of neutral countries was formed. They recommended the end of British colonialism, and the division of Palestine into two states, one Arab and the other Jewish. The Jewish people accepted this proposal immediately, but the Arabs didn’t. In that moment, seven Arab armies violated the UN’s decision and invaded the conflictive territory. Had the Arabs won, there would be no Israel today. It was the Arabs who began the offensive.
The question then was, what should happen to Palestine? Of what was left, the defeated countries took over. Gaza passed to Egypt and the West Bank passed to Jordan. Therefore, those who occupied these territories were the Arabs, not Israel. Not once during this occupation, which lasted for 18 years, did any Arab claim Jerusalem as their capital, nor did any Arab head of State visit the city.
In 1967, the Arab States decided to finish Israel, and despite all the pleads from Israel so that the UN troops would not leave them, they were left alone and the Six Days War began. Impressively, Israel won the war, and afterwards, in an attempt to renegotiate with its enemies, offered to return territories. The Arab leaders response was: no to reconnaissaince, no to negotiations, and no to peace with Israel.
Again, what happened with Palestine? Nothing. What did Israel do? Under the leadership of Menachem Begin, hoping to obtain peace with Egypt, Israel reintegrated the Sinai. Israel returned the oil wells, roads, airports, even dismantled a Jewish city. And again, what about Palestine? Nothing.
More recently, the Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak offered the National Palestine Authority everything that they were asking for, except the destruction of the Jews. Arafat answered no. Clinton suggested that Arafat make the proposals. We are still waiting. And we shall continue to wait because they don’t want peace.
The Palestine representative of the people is no pacifist. He is a person that lives of war. He constantly appears in the papers, and considers fighting more important than the peace of his people. And once again, what happens with the Palestine State? Nothing. Nothing and nothing. The Palestine leaders do not want the Palestine State. It has not been Israel who’s stopped them.
Meanwhile, in Israel, universities are being built, as well as roads, hospitals, modern technological investigation centers, etc. The Palestinian leaders are not looking for a way to stop their people’s violence. While in Israel there is a Peace Movement, with more than a million members, in Palestine there is not a single group of at least a thousand, asking for peace.
The question all Jews around the world ask ourselves is when shall we find peace and what price will we have to pay for it. Golda Meir said: “We shall find peace when they love their children more than they hate us.” The shouts of hope must be stronger now. We must stay united as one.
(Translated by Tamara Baum)
Shulem Dickerman is one of our originals; one of the founders of B’nai Israel. He was formerly Vice-President. Five years ago, when we made a plea of money to cover the down payment for the purchase of the land on which our Temple now stands, he contributed half of all that was collected. It was a considerable sum.
He also offered a substantial donation towards the construction of our Temple. Then, he had a serious set back in his business. As a result, he lost his home, his way of life, and slid into debt. He is still struggling to come back, financially.
A year ago, Shulem suffered a heart attack. He recovered and resumed work. But his condition worsened, and treatment became complicated as a result of Diabetes.
Now, the situation is this. He can’t have a by-pass operation because the doctors advise that it won’t help. He needs special “stents” which are like springs that permanently stay in place to keep the arteries open. These “stents” are new-age miracles that didn’t exist until recently, for Shulem’s type of problem, especially with Diabetes. They have to be imported from the States.
Shulem’s insurance doesn’t cover it. We have a National Insurance plan in Costa Rica, and everyone here is entitled to it. But it doesn’t cover these specialized stents. Shulem can’t afford it either.
B’nai Israel must come through. We have already, with the help of a few donors, raised enough to go forward and Shulem will receive this treatment by the time you read this.
We need your help. Please send your check to Congregation B’nei Israel and mark the check “Shulem Dickerman fund”.
Thank you very much.
"SHULEM"
June 4, 2002
The Parashat this week: Behaalotka, speaks of the kindling of Shabbat lights, as commended by the Rabbis. In a commentary by Dr. Shorsch, he refers to a midrash of a thousand years ago, in which the Rabbis equated the “basic building block of the universe as “shalom” (harmony) because that is what God created first, namely light”. It seems that the light, the spark that ignited so much harmony and wonderful, memorable, shared events in the history of B’nei Israel, has been dimmed.
So, what happened? Or, more to the point, what is happening? Lets analyze the way it is.
First, we have always experienced the problem of congregants leaving. Costa Rica is a country in transition. Many who came, lived here 2, 3, or 5 years and moved on or returned to their home countries. But they were always replaced, in numbers at least, by people moving in. Presently, this isn’t happening. Our membership committee is not functioning. This is not a criticism. It’s just a fact of life.
Secondly, and of paramount importance, is the virtual absence of the core group of the community who could be counted on to attend every service, unless they were sick or out of the country. I include - and specifically point to myself as a prime example. True, I have moved to the other end of town and it’s a real trek to the synagogue and back. The drive is longer than the service. But that’s only an excuse. I was always there. And now I’m not.
Of course, it’s not only me. We were never a large community. Four of five of the “movers” of our group who regularly don’t show makes a profound difference. I’m not going to mention names. Or circumstances. Or attach blame. I’m just calling a spade a spade.
I was told many years ago, and I have seen it at first hand, that the soul, the motivating force behind any congregation, is the dedication and direction of very few persons. It’s like that everywhere. There is no such thing as “having done my bit”, or “now it’s time for me to take it easier and let others do it”. That’s just fantasy. It’s not the real world. It doesn’t work. There is no quitting or letting down without leaving a big hole where once you stood. Those who give, give again and again. Those who work, must keep working.
It’s the same with giving money for Israel. What do we think we are? Sure, Jews have overcome awesome obstacles. And now relatively speaking in historic terms we are sitting on top of the world. We’ve been there before. Over and over again. Not only in North America. Also in Germany. In Spain. Wherever we’ve been, we have excelled. And then seen our world come crashing down around us. When we will learn?
Israel not only represents an obligation by those in the Diaspora to support and defend. It is the only - I repeat only guarantee of Jewish survival. So, forget about obligation. Think about commitment and self interest. We must meet the needs of a beleaguered Israel.
Congregation B’nei Israel has given us so much. We built a community together. We cared. We worked. We shared. We grew up together. We became an extended family. We reached out. We were always “the community that could”.
I’m back. How about you ?
Sincerely,
Marvin
I would like to thank you for the wonderful hospitality that your congregation extended to us on our visit to your Friday night service on March 29. We felt so very welcomed and enjoyed the service. It was wonderful to have my children experience a Jewish community during our visit to Costa Rica. Because it was during the week of Passover, we usually make a donation to a food shelter. Instead of doing something local, this year I would like to send a donation to be used for any outreach to the needy that you would like. Thank you once again. Please extend Temple Shalom's (our congregation) welcome to anyone visiting northwest New Jersey.
Ken Kline
OUR CONVENTION PROGRAM WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE BEAUTIFUL, NEW AND FULLY SECURED MERCAZ SHIMSHON IN THE HEART OF JERUSALEM. ALL CONVENTION ACTIVITIES AND OUTINGS WILL BE THOROUGHLY SUPERVISED TO ENSURE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL.
THIS IS THE TIME TO COME TO ISRAEL - TO STAND TOGETHER WITH HUNDREDS OF OUR COLLEAGUES IN CELEBRATION OF OUR BELOVED HOMELAND AND OUR OWN WORLD UNION.
CONVENTION DETAILS AND REGISTRATION MATERIAL, ALONG WITH OPTIONS FOR PRE- AND POST-CONVENTION MISSIONS, WILL BE SENT OUT IN DUE COURSE. BUT SAVE THESE DATES NOW FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE VISIT TO ISRAEL:
Wednesday, July 03, 2002, 12:56 p.m.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, addressing the Jewish Agency Assembly in Jerusalem last night, quoted Binyamin Theodore Ze'ev Herzl as having told the First Zionist Congress, "Zionism is the return to Judaism, even before the return to the land of the Jews." Sharon then added, "This phrase is the fulfillment of the essence of Zionism as a national movement: first and foremost, before all else, the return to Judaism."
The Prime Minister once again expressed his hope that another million new immigrants arrive in Israel in the coming decade. He departed from his prepared text - that which was later distributed to journalists and sent over the internet - in order to add the following exhortation to Diaspora Jewry:
"In addition to the military campaign that we face, we are also engaged in a very difficult diplomatic campaign, to which we must stand up - and we expect you to stand with us. It's not just our fight.
Whatever happens here in Israel will influence the fate of the Jews all around the world. If Israel, Heaven forbid, becomes weakened, don't expect even for a minute that you will be able to live the lives that you are living now. It will disappear in the blink of an eye. Your responsibility is therefore no less than ours. True, we live here, and we carry out certain missions that you, as long as you're not here yet, cannot shoulder. But in terms of the responsibility, the backing for Israel in our international diplomatic struggles - you must stand as one behind us, and behind every democratically-elected government of Israel. Because it is now not only our fate, but also your fate that hangs in the balance."
On Sunday morning, an armored corps unit stopped two Red Crescent ambulances in Ramallah for a routine inspection. Inside the vehicles were 27 Palestinians, at least 10 of whom are suspected of terrorist activity. (IDF)
By Itamar Marcus, chief analyst of Palestinian Media Watch
Palestinian Media Watch Bulletin - June 30, 2002
Visit our website: http://www.pmw.org.il/
PA verbal attacks and threats on the United States are returning to the frequency and style common before the 9-11 attacks. This Friday, in the official sermon on Palestinian Authority TV a religious leader, Ahmed Abdul Razek, predicted an impending divine blow to the US and to Israel. The following quote is the preacher's own words. "A divine blow will be dealt soon to the US and Israel, by Allah's will. The believers will rejoice with Allah's victory."
Hello! It’s nice to write to you again, above all because we have a wonderful group of women working with great enthusiasm.
This year we managed to organize two work bases, one in the western side of San Jose and another in the East. The eastern group meets on Saturday afternoons, so women that work the whole week can attend and participate. The western group usually meets on Monday afternoons. In this way, we can share, work, and enjoy ourselves with a common goal in mind. If anyone wishes to join either one of these groups, please call me at 282-5426 (West), or call Rosalía Koss at 224-1857 (East).
I would like to thank everyone who helped so much, either with donations or with work, to make the Cachivache Sale such a success.
Now, we are organizing a raffle in which every person that participates wins a prize. The profit from this activity will be destined for the Rabbi’s fund. If you wish to donate a present or purchase a ticket, please contact me. The raffle will be at my house on Saturday the 10th of August, at 7:00 p.m.
But that’s not all... we also have a project with the school, to prepare a calendar with food recipes. Please send your favorite recipe to Jody via e-mail, or directly to the synagogue.
For Selichot, on August 30, we hope to have all the special dishes from our recipes to sell and enjoy. That night we will also meet our visiting Rabbi. The calendars, with illustrations made by the children of the Jennifer Sossin School, will be for sale, as well.
I bid you farewell and hope to see you on August 10 for the great raffle.
With love,
Flor Keibel
(Translated by Tamara Baum)
By Jody Bonilla Much has been written and spoken lately of the apathy of our congregational members: few people working on committees, a lack of attendance at services, a lack of participation on the Board of Directors, overdue bill payments, in general, a lack of community spirit. These issues present serious challenges to B’nei Israel, challenges that should lead us to look within, as a congregation and as individuals.
< As one of the volunteer service leaders, I have often joked that in order to guarantee a minyan for the services I lead, I invite ten members to my home for Shabbat dinner prior to the service. But this joke has led me, in my introspection, to come to certain conclusions. I believe we as a congregation must be able to give to the members of the congregation that which is truly needed, not merely what is assumed to be needed. This seems simple enough: fulfill members’ needs, and we will have ample participation. When I invite friends to join me in celebrating a Shabbat meal, we are filled with a special presence that spills over into our joyful participation in services. When a school group leads the service, we have “standing room only”. I believe we must find these needs. Understand them. And then we must act upon them.
For example, on June 7th, Hilda ten Brink and 7 students from the Mitzvah Class led the service. They wrote their own psalms and meditations and printed them into a Siddur attachment. Parents, brothers and sisters, and many community members were there to watch our future B’nei Mitzvah as they joined with their morah to conduct a beautiful service. Ariel Bar-tal, Yaco Baum, Sarita Brenes, Andre de Matheu, Mark Feigen, Jared Jacobovitz and Ana Julia Podcaminsky made us smile, gave us a sense of respect and admiration, and even brought a tear to more than one eye. It was a pleasure to see so many young people, to hear so many little ones in the synagogue. And it was a joy to see the smiles on faces: Kurt Bachman, Bonnie Fisher, Elena Dybner, Abraham Baum, Norma de Matheu, Emily Friedlander, Shelley Jacobovitz and so many others: mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, congregation members.
I will think about this as a service leader: what must I do, what must I add to my services, to fulfill the needs of our members? Maybe we should have pot-luck Shabbat dinners at the synagogue before services? Maybe we should take turns being “minyan guarantors”? Maybe we should make personal phone calls to friends reminding them how much they are needed?
I have been told that the Mixed Marriage Group meets once a month for a Shabbat dinner. How wonderful! What a wonderful opportunity to draw closer to the synagogue. Why not come together to the synagogue either after or before dinner: have the group attend an early service and then share a Shabbat dinner.
The Sisterhood came out in full for the cachivache sale on a cold, dark, rainy morning. Why not have a Sisterhood service, led by a group of women. I know I would be more than happy to help prepare a special service for either of these groups, or for any other special interest group within our community. Just as the Mitzvah Class did with Hilda, we can prepare special readings that reflect the interests, feelings and needs of all of our members.
I believe it is easy to criticize those who participate less. The secret lies, not in finger pointing, but rather in understanding why. And hopefully, through that understanding, we can bring back the true spirit of B’nei Israel.
By Marvin Sossin Events and inventions that have altered the course of history have almost always been the effort or product of one person.
Where would the Jews be today if it were not for Moses. Would Judaism even exist to-day if not for his inspired leadership?
Bill Gates made it possible for a world to be interconnected as never before.
Hitler left a stained imprint on the 20th century that will never be forgotten.
Would the great advances in Medicine be sustainable without the work of Madame Curie, who discovered the benefits of Radium. In the 20th century, the average life span of an American - or Costa Rican, almost doubled thanks to discoveries such as Penicilin, Salk vaccine and myriad other medicines and techniques, always triggered by necessity, but accomplished by a single person.
Often, I think how my own life would be affected without the benefit of those great names who we all know; Socrates, Galileo, Maimonedes, Churchill, Nightingale, Beethoven, Mozart, Ben Gurion, Gandhi, Einstein, Van Gogh; to name but a few.
A synagogue is a reflection of the community that breathed it to life, and the community that sustained it. When any of you travel somewhere for the first time, what is the first thing you look for? A synagogue. Because it is a testament to the Jews who lived there; your forbears. Just as an adopted child always seeks to know about his parents, we seek to know about the people who lived in that community; their names, how long they lived, how they died. It’s part of the chain that connects us to generations and centuries that formed us.
A friend of mine recently asked me if I would join him in a get together of secular Jews. I was incredulous as to his ignorance. I let him have it. What is a secular Jew? Are all of us religious? Are our beliefs in G-d the criteria of why we belong to B’nai Israel? Of course, not.
Rabbi Steven Carr wrote the following: “What gives Jews their sense of identity is not primarily belief, but rather, belonging. It is the idea of “peoplehood”, the sense of belonging to the Jewish people, the Jewish community, that distinguishes Jewish identity from others' religious traditions”.
We all have different reasons for coming. It may have to do with belief, custom, an interest in our children’s Jewish education. But - in all cases - I suggest that the one reason we have in common is the desire to be a part of the community, to experience our Jewish roots and history, and to enjoy the comfort of the company of others with whom we can share our traditions.
But - and finally I come to the point - it cannot go on without You! If you think that experiencing Shabbat in the synagogue is for “others”, then we are not fulfilling our commitment to “ourselves”.
You may depend on “others”. But the temple depends on You! We have trained Lay leaders. We have created a beautiful structure and an infrastructure to help you in all your life cycle events. Unless you partake in the offering, it’s all wasted. The plate of sustaining a Jewish life in Costa Rica is yours for the taking. But the contents are perishable.
A Minyan consists of 10 Jewish people. No service can begin without a Minyan. I have seen the faces of our para - rabbis, whose turn it is to lead the service, who have prepared and studied the Parashat, anxiously looking about for the tenth person.
Now, I try not to be late. 8:00 p.m. sharp. 6:30 p.m. first Friday of the month to accommodate families and children. It’s not only my obligation. It’s a fulfilling experience. It’s the most pleasurable few hours of the week. Even if you sleep through the sermon.
You make the difference. You! You are the Power of One. And one by one, we can come together and feel as One.
by David Feingold
This week’s parashah is named for one who killed an idolater, and was rewarded for it. Although only a tiny portion of the parashah actually deals with the title, as is often the case in the Torah, there is much to be learned from this story.
The parashah takes place when the Israelites are on the verge of entering the Promised Land. G-d becomes angry that many Israelites are starting to worship idols, and therefore tells Moshe to direct the people to kill any who are worshipping the Canaanite god. Since idolatry was considered the greatest threat to the existence of the Israelites, Pinchas, the grandson of Aaron, runs a spear though the guilty party and is rewarded for his loyalty.
For me, the most important lesson from this brief story is that when people believe they have G-d on their side, they can justify any action. When one looks at the Middle East today, it’s not hard to understand how people on all sides of the issues can justify their extreme actions, since to them, they are doing it in the name of their god. As Jews, we can take some heart that over the years many Jewish scholars have expressed concerns about Pinchas taking the law into his own hands, for Pinchas was the ultimate vigilante. However, we might also begin to understand that, even in our own holiest of books, extreme actions can be justified when you believe you have G-d on your side. Why wouldn’t we expect other people to do the same?
This parshah goes on to treat many more topics, possibly the most important of which is Moshe’s successor. Moshe asks G-d to “designate a man over the community who will go out before them, who will come back before them, who will lead them out, who will bring them back; so that the community of Adonai will not be like a flock that has no shepherd.” (Numbers 27:16-17).
G-d responds that Moshe should take “Joshua, son of Nun, a man in whom the spirit is, and lean your hand upon him.” (27:18). Thus is chosen the one who will lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land.
With his appeal to G-d, Moshe emphasizes how important leadership is for the Jewish people. This lesson is particularly applicable to B’nei Israel today.
We have had and continue to have many wonderful leaders here at B’nei Israel. Thanks to the hard work, unyielding dedication, and seemingly limitless energy of these people, we are what we are today: a vibrant community celebrating every aspect of Jewish life. However, I think it is clear that the time is ripe for B’nei Israel to take the next step and get a permanent, professional leader. It is true that there is something quaint about having guys like me leading services and speaking about Torah, but I believe it is time to have someone who is truly prepared for the task. Now, I didn’t really mean to turn this d’var torah into an appeal for the rabbi fund, but it just kind of segued into it. The truth is that while I believe we are a very healthy community, there are always things in which we could improve. And a full time rabbi would address a great many of these issues.
Do some members feel we need to have a clearer delineation of what Reform Judaism and, specifically, B’nei Israel stand for? Sure they do. And while I think we do a pretty good job as it is, there is no doubt that a full time rabbi, through his or her most fundamental role as a teacher, will make the task more doable.
Do some members feel we need to make a better effort motivating people so that more members of the congregation are involved in Synagogue activities? Definitely. Although we do our best, when everyone is a volunteer and nobody is explicitly trained in the topic, the task is daunting. A rabbi’s expertise will be crucial in this endeavor.
Do some members feel we need to do more outreach to get new members? Of course. This challenge may be the most fundamental to the future of B’nei Israel. However, strengthened with the presence of a knowledgeable and dynamic full time rabbi, B’nei Israel will be much more prepared for this important effort.
Finally, do some members feel we could hear more interesting sermons at services (instead of what you’ve just heard)? Quite frankly, yes.
On that note, I wish you all Shabat Shalom and a good week.
by Lauran Bonilla I sat overlooking the sanctuary and marveled, not only at the exquisiteness of the new house of prayer, but also at the quantity of attendees present. It was Saturday, March 23, the day of Michelle Marin’s Bat-Mitzvah. I saw around me, and was drawn to emotion, the different stages of my life. The Elkin girls: I see myself in Sofía’s large eyes, and in Talya’s infantile poses and stances. Then, I look up, and I see her, Michelle, at a stage of life so incredibly unique. The first teenage year holds, what seemed to me, a new power to observe and learn. At this age, the direction of your life is about to begin.
Erika and Tamara were called to accompany Michelle in singing Sim Shalom. Tamara was my Rachel Losk, Erika my Rosie Wager. One of my favorite songs for peace, I was only too happy to share it with Rachel and Rosie. “Peace, happiness, and blessing; grace and love and mercy: may these descend on us, on all Israel, and on all the world... the law of life: to love kindness and justice and mercy, to seek blessing, life and peace.” We should all hold on to the words of the song. Safeguard them, cherish them, and bind them to your beating heart. Let your internal drum always keep the rhythm of their significance.
I saw as Michelle sneaked a peek at the congregation, many peeks for that matter, during the silent prayer. I recall the silent prayer was, for me, a moment to breath, to catch a glimpse of the uncanny nature of prayer. I could sense the slight grin-of-embarrassment that rose to her maturing face, as someone caught her stare. Diligently she returned to her silent prayers. I believe we should always revisit our prayers, hopes and dreams, but it is always necessary to keep an eye on the world about you. To gaze upon your surrounding environment, whether inhabited by people, trees or buildings, is the most intense prayer one can have. This is a form of worship: a stare in awe of Life.
And so, as the service drew nearer and nearer to its close, I saw myself in Michelle. I am excited for her, as I recall her quiet pride at the bima. The future holds so much to be seen. If one continues pursuing life with strength, admiration and respect, then experiences become challenges, not problems. The initial skepticism will lead to further questioning; but every question has one or more answers. You get to choose your own adventure. From the moment one chooses to begin the journey, it is necessary to scrutinize every last detail, until your eyes fade, your ears put up shields and your lungs becomes solid.
Michelle radiated with confidence. There never appeared a doubt in her mind that she should be standing at the bima. And so, I dedicate this piece to Michelle, for she brought back, from deep within my memory, an element of innocence that I left behind long ago. We two tread over similar tracks. Love your life, tenderly but with great passion. We are women of the twenty-first century, and how lucky we are.
Column by Gil Mann
America Online - Judaism Today: Where Do I Fit?
(www.jewish.com/news/gilemail.shtml)
Dear Gil:
I am a Christian and support Israel from my perspective of Biblical history, personal experiences in Israel and what I read in Israeli and international media. I'm perplexed by why some in the Orthodox or Ultra-Orthodox community are extremely anti-Zionist. I hope you can help clarify the following for me:
In search of understanding,
P
Shalom P:
Your questions are most appropriate given the current situation in Israel. I know that your questions are shared by others and deserve clarification.
The definition of Zionism is simple: Zionism is the movement to support a homeland for the Jewish people.
The movement began in the mid to late 1800s as a result of the viscous anti-Semitism of Europe. The pivotal leader was a non-religious Jewish journalist named Theodor Herzl. A turning point for Herzl occurred when he covered the trial of a French Army officer, Alfred Dreyfus who was falsely convicted of treason. (He was later pardoned.) The biased trial greatly disturbed Herzl. He concluded that the anti-Semitism of France and Europe was so deeply ingrained and widespread that the only hope for Jews to live in safety was if they had their own state. (Sadly, I suspect, Herzl would not be surprised to see today's anti-Semitism in France and other places in Europe.)
The word Zionism comes from the word Zion -- a reference to Jerusalem, the city of King David. Jews longed and prayed for a return to Zion for 2000 years and some are Zionists for religious and Biblical reasons. In spite of this, early Zionists were so desperate for a safe haven for Jews, that locations other than the land of ancient Israel were considered (like Uganda!). A number of options were pursued and in 1917 the British issued the famous Balfour Declaration stating that "His Majesty's Government" viewed with favor the establishment of a Jewish homeland in the area that today is Israel and was then a British Mandate.
Ultimately, in 1948, the establishment of the state of Israel became the fulfillment of the Zionist dream to have a Jewish homeland. Since then millions of Jews from all over the world have immigrated to Israel. Many were Holocaust survivors and W.W.II refugees; many others fled anti-Semitism in their home country that Zionism anticipated and was formed to address. Many people do not realize that about 600,000 Jews who immigrated to Israel were refugees who were forced to flee -- often empty handed -- from Arab countries where they were persecuted.
A quick but important aside: Israel is the only country in the world where Judaism is the official state religion. Yet many other religions are freely practiced in Israel. I'll never forget being in Israel one December and seeing an ad in the paper for Christians to receive free Christmas trees from the Israeli government!
Notwithstanding, Israel is primarily a Jewish State, so I think you can safely say that to be a Zionist is in a sense being a patriot to the Jewish State. The highest level of dedication or patriotism would probably be to live in Israel, but a person does need not to live in Israel to be a Zionist or in favor of a Jewish State. Nor does a person need to be Jewish to be a Zionist. In fact many non-Jews (like you) are supportive of the state of Israel and I think they could consider themselves to be Zionists.
While there are many non-Jews who are supportive of Israel, there is a tiny fringe group of Jews who are anti-Zionists. These Jews are religious fundamentalists who object to the establishment of Israel from a theological point of view. They believe, that according to Jewish tradition, God will establish a Jewish State to coincide with the coming of the Messiah. Since the Messiah has not arrived, they believe Israel is an artificial work of man, not God.
This group represents very few people, but enemies of the state of Israel love to "parade" these oddball Jews out during anti-Israel demonstrations. Almost all Jews, from very religious to secular strongly disagree with these anti-Israel Jews.
Including me, because I definitely consider myself to be a Zionist. I'll add a personal note in closing, that as a Zionist, I pray for a day, when the Jewish State has warm relations with all nations, her Arab neighbors and a peaceful, prosperous future Palestinian State.
Thanks for writing!
Gil
Gil Mann is the Author of: How to Get More Out of Being Jewish Even If: A. You are not sure you believe in God, You think going to synagogue is a waste of time, C. You think keeping kosher is stupid, D. You hated Hebrew School, or E. All of the above! He makes no money from book sales, his work on America Online or this column. He welcomes your E-Mail comments and questions about this column or any subject. Write to DearGil@aol.com or send your letters to this paper. To order the book call: 800-304-9925.
Reprint from Forward - June 28, 2002
By Alana Newhouse
Nearly one-third of Europeans cling to traditional anti-Jewish stereotypes, according to a five-nation survey released this week by the Anti-Defamation League. Moreover, the ADL found, close to two-thirds of Europeans believe the recent violence against Jews in various European countries results from anti-Israel sentiments, not anti-Semitism.
“These findings are especially disturbing because they show that the old, classical form of anti-Semitism has been joined by a new form fueled by anti-Israel sentiment, creating a potent and dangerous mix,” said the ADL’s national director, Abraham Foxman, in a statement. “The resiliency of anti-Semitism, coupled with the emergence of strong anti-Israel sentiment in European countries with enormous Muslim/Arab populations, demands our serious and immediate action.”
The results of the study, “European Attitudes Towards Jews, Israel and the Israeli Palestinian Conflict,” were based on telephone interviews conducted last spring with 2,500 people living in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Respondents - 500 in each country - were asked whether they agreed or disagreed with several traditional antisemitic stereotypes. They included: “Jews don’t care what happens to anyone but their own kind,” “Jews are more loyal to Israel than to this country,” “Jews have too much power in the business world” and “Jews are more willing than others to use shady practices to get what they want.” Fully 30% responded “probably true” to at least 2 of the 4 anti-Jewish statements.
The likelihood of a respondent believing in anti-Jewish stereotypes was found to be determined significantly by two key factors: age and education level. According to the survey results, people over the age of 65 and those who completed their education by age 17 or younger are more likely than the rest of the population to agree with the anti-Semitic characterizations presented in the interviews.
In addition to anti-Jewish stereotypes, respondents were asked their opinions on a range of questions concerning Israel, the Middle East conflict, and the anti-Jewish violence plaguing several European nations.
The results indicate that Israel has “a major perception problem in Europe,” the ADL said. Europeans - regardless of gender, age, education or income level - hold largely negative views about Israel, with 41% saying they do not think that Israel wants to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians, 38% saying Israel’s treatment of Palestinians is similar to South Africa’s treatment of blacks during apartheid, and 60% saying Israel’s use of military force against Palestinians has been excessive. Only 28% said they view Israel favorably.
By a margin of more than 2-to-1, respondents said they sympathize more with the Palestinians than with the Israelis, a finding that pollsters said may be a result of the large Muslim and Arab populations in Europe. Europeans were found to be twice as likely to come into contact with a Muslim or Arab person as with a Jewish person.
On the question of what causes anti-Jewish violence in Europe, 62% said they believe it is a result of anti-Israel sentiment rather than antisemitism. Fully 26% said they were “fairly unconcerned” or “not concerned at all” about the recent outbreak of violence against Jews, while just 21% said they were “very concerned.” In France, just 14% said they were “very concerned.”
At the same time, a third of French respondents said they do not think their government is doing enough to ensure the safety and security of its Jewish citizens - the highest percentage of any of the countries surveyed.
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Visit the World Jewish Congress web page and read the interesting articles of the series "The Plight of Jews in Arab Lands".
