Happy Israel Independence Day

May 10 2011 - 5:01:40:pm by JDL

JDL extends a heartfelt Chag Yom Ha’atzmaut - Happy Israel Independence Day - to our brethren in Israel and to all of Am Yisrael. All decent Jews, no matter what their level of connection to our homeland may be, should be thankful that we have the opportunity to celebrate the 63rd year of Jewish sovereignty over a portion of our G-d given land. And even if we are far away from our land geographically, we should feel acute longing for the holy land of Israel, distinguished above all other real estate on the earth. We know that the fate of the state of Israel has existential ramifications for all Jews and also has a profound effect on the non-Jewish world as well.

The commemoration of Israeli independence should serve as a special occasion to sharpen our resolve over the mutual defense and betterment of all our people, whether they are still in Galut (exile outside of our homeland) or have the great blessing to reside in our homeland.  We must continually commit to the defense of our people, which unquestionably includes defending the Jewish state, and we should pray with renewed vigor to Hashem for the final redemption - the full ingathering of our exiles, the full restoration of our sovereignty over Eretz Yisrael, the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash (the Holy Temple) and the restoration of the line/monarchy of David HaMelech, as prophesied. May it happen speedily, in our days and with minimal hardship.