Dear Israel by Rabbi Sandra Kviat

You were the site of so many firsts for me. First time I experienced the beginnings of independence as a teenager, first kiss, first time I saw guns on the street, first time I experienced the vastness and spiritual depth of the desert, first time that ancient history felt so close.

You were also the place where I first experienced real conflict, where poverty, politics, and religion created an unholy mix of problems for everyone, and where my admiration and love for you were questioned. Questioning has always been an inherent part of my relationship to you but it feels more painful now.

Though I know that the actions of some in government do not reflect all of Israel, I am left confused, conflicted and angry. How can some people turn our traditions, our history and our morals into weapons of hate?

The challenge of conflict was always part of our experience and learning but I never expected to feel so conflicted today in how we engage with you. It has become harder and harder to defend you, harder to even talk about you without being fearful of others reactions, hard to see the polarisation that occurs within Israel and within Jewish communities. 

But I know that I am not alone in feeling this conflicted but powerful connection with you. A deeply felt sense of hope that transcends the current political situation.   

It was within your borders I first experienced a sense that being Jewish can be broader than the community we are in. It was with you that I realised that we’re part of something bigger, something ancient and something that stretches into the future. I hope that despite the bitter circumstances of today we have many more birthdays to celebrate together.

Happy Birthday and Tillykke med fødselsdagen.