1984-1985 Rothberg Yearbook

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s a
Israel: the land, the country, the people, and the
spirit. In all these definitions, Israel is the dream
and the reality which is cherished by people of
every faith, nationality and race. Israel, a microscopic
piece o f land in comparison with her
neighbors, is a country exceedingly im portant to so
many, yet fought fo r by so few. Although Israel is
small in number, it is full o f “ ruach” and devotion.
O ut o f hard work, compassion and the spirit o f
Zionism, the State o f Israel was formed from the
ancient land of the Jewish people
I want to express my feelings about Israel, and
why I feel such a strong “ kesher” with this
country. In my lifetim e, the existence o f the State
o f Israel has always been a fact. It is d iffic u lt for
me to imagine the Jewish people and the world
w ithout Israel’s presence. Since her creation in
1948, Israel has played an integral part in world
affairs and has been the bond between Jews in the
Diaspora. Israel is special fo r Jews everywhere in
many different ways. For some Jews, Israel means
safety fo r them and their children. For other Jews,
such as the Russians and Ethiopians, it is a chance
to live a free Jewish life. For others, Israel is that
opportunity to be a part of Jewish history, to be
involved in our own destiny, and to be living where
we can really feel that there is something im portant
enough to live for, and even die for. To me Israel is
all this and more. To pray at the Kotel, walk the
streets o f Jerusalem, speak the language o f the
Tanach, and feel the pride o f our beautiful country^
gives me a special feeling.
I find it impossible to express this true essence
o f Israel. It is a feeling which one must experience
himself. To be part o f such a beautiful country, to
work to make this country better, and to feel the
sense of unity and devotion that keeps Israel strong
is tru ly fulfilling. As Jews with our own land,
army, government, language, culture, and history,
we have obtained a sense o f pride and a realization
that we indeed are one.
I hope in all these words I have succeeded in
conveying my thoughts to you about Israel and its
value to the Jewish people and to the world. Israel
is an example o f a beautiful dream, which after
much work, struggle and destruction has become a
definite reality. In the words ofHerzl, “ If you will
it, it is no dream.”
TAM I LESSER
West Palm Beach, Florida
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