Yom Yerushalayim will
be celebrated during the forthcoming week on the 28th day of Iyar
which occurs next Friday. During the Six Day War in 1967 the IDF
gained control over the Temple Mount and liberated what is called
erroneously "occupied territories". At the very moment when the IDF
reached the Kotel Maaravi, Rav Shlomo Goren zt'l sounded the shofar.
The Israelis and Jews throughout the world were emotionally charged.
This military triumph was miraculous. Israel was attacked by six hostile
Arab nations who were determined to erase Medinat Yisroel from the map of
the world. The nations of the world sat back and watched and, as today,
the U.N. was ineffectual. The liberation of the territories and the Temple
Mount was an extraordinarily historic event that cannot be fully grasped
unless one takes into account the presence of HaShem in our history.
In terms of number of
soldiers, Israel should have been defeated or, at least, have been forced
to be at a standstill. True, Israel's generals were brilliant strategists
and the Israeli soldiers were infused with a highly charged mission to
prove to the word that Israel is here to stay. However, Israel's feat
cannot be understood in human terms. Logically, Israel should have become,
in Toynbee's terms, a fossilized nation. But Israel's existence has defied
the laws of history. The Psalmist said it best, "some trust in chariots
and some in horses, but we call upon the name of the L-rd, our G-d" (Tehillim
20:8).
The recapture of Yerushalayim after 1900 years of galus is the most
extraordinary historic event alongside the establishment of Medinat
Yisrael. In recent history, they signified the return of the Jewish people
to their homeland. They are no longer stateless. Theologians and religious
leaders debate the meaning of Israel's statehood. Some suggest we live in
a pre-messianic age. Others are of the opinion one must not engage in such
speculation, this is risky, there are, also, elements who negate the
historical significance of the Medinah though they may reap its benefits.
But, be as it may, it matters not what religious value is applied to the
Medinah. One should put these conjectures aside momentarily and, instead,
pause and consider the reality. Parshas B'chukotai records the tochacha,
that is, foretelling the punishing consequences for violating Israel's
covenant with HaShem. The tochacha is recorded a second time in Parshas Ki
Tavo with additional graphic descriptions of Golus. In Parshas B'chukotai
the concluding passages foretell the return of the Jewish people to Eretz
Yisrael. Thus, the Torah declares definitively the reestablishment of
Israel in the land of Israel. That prophecy has become a reality and
Yerushalayim is its capital.
What does this all mean for us? First and foremost to respond
affirmatively to this reality and to acknowledge the centrality of Eretz
Yisrael, especially Yerushalayim in Israel's covenant with HaShem. This
article of faith is time and again pronounced in our tefillos and in our
mesora.
Second, and equally important, is our obligation to translate our ideals
into action. There are several avenues for one to exercise one's ideals.
One avenue is aliyah, each additional presence adds to the physical
strength and spiritual vitality of the country. In the brief period of
living in Israel, I have witnessed the enormous contribution olim,
including professionals, academics, businessmen, etc. and even retirees,
are making to Israeli society while at the same time fulfilling the
mitzvah and z'chut of living in Eretz Yisrael. If one is unable to take
this step then support and encouragement should be given to prospective
olim.
To introduce another point, I wish to share with you a telling incident. A
few years ago, before I made aliyah, I received a phone call from a woman
in New York. She asked me whether I had information regarding the kashrus
of a hotel in Italy. Since my family name and that of the Rav HaMachshir
are similar she felt that I may verify the kashrus claim of the hotel.
After responding to her query I then asked when she would be visiting
Italy. She replied that she intended to spend the Yomim Noraim in Italy. I
was aghast. I said to her would it not be more appropriate to spend this
special period set aside for intense religious experiences and teshuvah in
Israel rather than in Italy. Italy is the land to which our people were
exiled so is it not absurd to return there for our religious holidays?
Regrettably, this attitude is prominent in our contemporary religious
culture. Months before major Yomim Tovim there is a proliferation of
enticing ads beckoning the Jews to celebrate Yomim Tovim in such exotic
places as Hawaii, Hungary, Spain, etc. or perhaps spend the Yom Tov on a
cruise. Would it not be in the spirit of Yom Tov to enjoy these days in
Eretz Yisrael? The costs would not exceed the costs of other inducements.
A commitment to Israel is more than a political activity. It implies more
than a philanthropic contribution. Israel is the heart and soul of our
history. HaShem blessed our age 54 years ago with Medinat Yisrael which
culminated with the recapture of Yerushalayim in '67. Yom Yerushalayim is
the time to redouble our commitment and efforts to translate L'Shana Habaa
B'Yerushalayim - next year in Jerusalem, into a reality.
