I came across this fantastic article at Israel Matzav. It perfectly expresses the feelings of millions of Jews, and expresses why Israel and Jerusalem.
Imagine for a moment that Israel was established in Uganda in 1948. Far from those who seek its destruction, Israel would grow and prosper. Resources would be diverted toward the sciences rather than defensive measures, and Israeli innovations would benefit the entire human race without ever being questioned. Israelis would walk the streets freely without fear and would sleep soundly through the night. And Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) would be celebrated in its full glory, without the sad preface of Yom HaZikaron (the Day of Remembrance) – there would be no need to cry for the tens of thousands of lives that were sacrificed for our homeland because no such sacrifices would have been made. Israel would just be, and this homeland would serve as a true safe haven for the Jewish people.
Still, that Ugandan utopia just wouldn’t do.
When a Jew prays outside of Israel, he is told to orient himself towards Israel. When a Jew prays within Israel, he is told to face Jerusalem. Why? Because Jerusalem is ground zero for Jewish spirituality and culture, and the biblical and historical home base of our nation. It is the eternal focus of Jewish life. Thus, if Israel were to exist in Uganda, a Jew would always be facing out of his land during prayer. He would gaze longingly toward the City of Gold singing “If I forget thee O Jerusalem” and wondering why he hadn’t fought to keep it.
Indeed, the only Israel that could ever truly be the homeland for the Jewish people is one that not only has the potential to include Jerusalem, but actually does. It is for this reason that we celebrate Yom Yerushalaim (Jerusalem Day) as much as Yom Ha’Atzmaut – it marks the day when our acquisition of the real Israel became complete Jerusalem was once again in our hands.
So, was it all worth it? Was it worth reestablishing Israel amongst those who seek our destruction just to have Jerusalem? Is the symbolic heart of the Jewish people worth the thousands of actual hearts that were silenced on her behalf?
Trembling and teary-eyed we must answer in the affirmative.
Like Carl, I’m not too sure Uganda would have been utopia either. Almost by definition, because any day that Jerusalem and Tzion are not in the hands of the Jewish people, it is another day that the Nation of Israel must try to live without its heart and soul.
In other Israel news….about those so-called “loyal” Israeli-Arab/Muslims.
