|  While
the Jewish soul is alive, while eyes are turned to Zion, our hope is not
lost! The two thousand year hope - to be a free people in the country
of Zion and Jerusalem.
The Jews had been waiting for a miracle of revival for 1887 years. Was
the Holocaust so necessary for them to gain it?
After WWII was over, the Jews realized that it was impossible to live
without their own state.
And so, on Iyar 5, 5708 the Jewish State with its own flag, emblem, and
anthem rose like a Phoenix from the ashes.
Maybe that was the reason why the Day Center meeting, dedicated to Independence
Day was special for us. Several Hesed programs prepared it - Mazal
Tov, the Elderly People's Club, and the Day Center volunteers.
 We
went for a stroll in a park. It was hard for some of the clients to move,
but they went forward and stood to listen to the hymn of Israel. Pride
in their nation gave the old people strength.
Then we had our photos taken and everybody got pictures of themselves.
We sang "Golden Jerusalem"
in the bus on our way to Hesed. There, over a cup of tea they again talked about
Israel, its past and future.
 And
I was sitting and listening to them. In the circle of those who experienced
so many difficulties and grief one starts understanding the worth of each
free day, freedom of thinking and belief. I felt light and easy. And somewhere
from within came a notion of what it is - to be a Jew.
Remember the National Emblem of Israel - a symbol of connection with
the Jewish tradition and the Olive tree - peace towards which the
Jews always strive. Join it in accordance with the Torah laws and you
will get the essence of Independence Day.
Tatyana
Risman |
