Thank you, Eretz Yisrael, and All who Defend Her!

by Nina Fondiller Woldin

Today is Yom HaZikaron, a day to honor and remember fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror. Tomorrow will be Yom Ha’atzmaut, and with blatant antisemitism exploding worldwide, I feel more grateful than ever for Israel.

With blatant antisemitism exploding worldwide, I feel more grateful than ever for Israel.

I just returned from a trip across the United States where I met a girl who was spit on and pushed for wearing a Magen David on the University of Colorado campus. I saw “Long Live the Intifada” painted on a piece of pottery at a Color Me Mine craft store in Los Angeles. 

Over the weekend we watched the embarrassment known as Eurovision. Despite the slogan, “United by Music,” the contest was anything but. Eden Golan, the brave 20 year old contestant from Israel, endured protests, boos during dress rehearsal, as well as audience members turning their backs as she performed. (Despite all of this, Israel came second in the public vote, with 323 points, and even with the jury vote, Israel finished fifth overall.)

As a member of the generation born not too long after WWII, I grew up during a time when the pendulum had swung away from flagrant antisemitism, and admit that despite my love for Israel, I did not appreciate the full import of our homeland.

As Louis Brandeis said, “Israel finds in it, for the Jews, a reason to raise their heads, and, taking their stand upon the past, to gaze straightforwardly into the future.” Thank you, Eretz Yisrael, and all who defend her.

1 response to “Thank you, Eretz Yisrael, and All who Defend Her!”

1. John Woldin says:

   May 13, 2024 at 5:37 pm

   Excellent comments! It gives me strength in these unsettled and disturbing times.
   Am Yisrael Chai!

   Reply