1. Skip to navigation
  2. Skip to content
  3. Skip to secondary-content

Israel Under Pressure

By Rabbi Marc D. Angel

The past few weeks have been very difficult for the State of Israel. The news is filled with reports about the pressure being put on Israel by the Obama administration. Great Britain has expelled an Israeli intelligence expert. The UN continues its anti-Israel activities and propaganda. Anti-Israel programs are held on various American college campuses.

We hope and pray that the government of Israel will handle the diplomatic problems successfully. We hope and pray that the world will try to understand Israel's position, and will recognize the horrible hatred and incitement lodged against Israel by its enemies. We hope and pray that the American administration (and other governments) will be at least as demanding of the Palestinians as they are of the Netanyahu government.

When Israel is under pressure (which seems to be very often), here is how I respond: I go out and buy Israeli products; I invest in Israel Bonds and in Israeli stocks; I make contributions to Israeli charities and institutions, and to those American organizations that support Israel; I send emails to friends in Israel; I say positive things about Israel to anyone who will listen.

Lately, I've been recommending a fascinating book about the amazing accomplishments of Israel, especially in cutting edge research and technology. The book is entitled: "Start Up Nation".  The book describes how this tiny country, surrounded by hostile neighbors, has become a world class center of innovation, creativity and intellectual vitality. Israel has a phenomenal number of start up companies and patents; it has become a vital center of research for major technology companies such as Intel and Cisco.

The Passover festival reminds us that our ancestors had been slaves in Egypt for centuries. No group in the world would have seemed more hopeless. Yet, our ancestors were redeemed from Egypt; shortly thereafter they received the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai--changing the history of human civilization for the better. The Israelites survived their slavery, emerged from the darkness of Egyptian servitude, and became a light unto the nations.

The eternal message of Judaism is: faith and optimism. Righteousness and justice will ultimately prevail. Even in moments of darkness and despair, we look to brighter times.  We each can do our share to advance our cause.  Prayer and hope are vital. So are practical actions and courageous advocacies on behalf of the honor and integrity of Israel.

justinC's picture

Israel Under Pressure

Submitted by justinC on May 24, 2010 - 5:21am.
Most reports indicate that the talks are most likely going to be focused on the recent Israeli announcements that an East Jerusalem settlement has been approved, pending the developer’s secured loans. Some politicians are also hoping that the meeting between Netanyahu and Obama will include discussions of the Israeli diplomat being kicked out of Britain.