Dear Readers,
Calling the current climate in Israel “complicated” could be the understatement of the century.
Never do I recall major Jewish organizations, donors, and celebrities making public statements against Israel’s domestic policy. Or tens of thousands of Israelis protesting practically daily (as of press time) against the government. The contrasting reporting of the news, depending on the news organization’s slant—Jewish as well as mainstream media—reflects the divisiveness now taking place in Israel and across the world as Jews, politicians, political analysts, and news junkies weigh in.
And it’s all happening as we prepare to celebrate Israel’s 75th year.
In addition to my near constant concern about Israel’s future, I’m thinking about the State of Israel’s national anthem, Ha Tikvah—The Hope.
This section, therefore, is filled with hope, memories, achievement, and perspective.
Tidewater’s own Avraham Ashkenazi, for example, is being honored by the Technion (sometimes referred to as Israel’s MIT) in June. Mazel Tov, Avraham! Page 17.
Barbara Dudley spent last month in Israel visiting her daughter’s young family on Kibbutz Yiftah. She writes about the impact of the protests on daily life, offering a unique perspective. Page 18.
Thoughts of Israel usually bring to mind its wonderful cuisine. Eitan Altshuler expresses his connection to Israel and Tidewater’s Jewish community through food on page 19.
Several people share their memories of trips to Israel in this section, as well as one about United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s recent mission on page 8.
An overview of Jewish Tidewater’s annual Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration on Sunday, April 30 is on page 26. It promises to be a terrific day of making memories and celebrating a nation of hope, tenacity, innovation, and ruach (spirit).
When we celebrate Israel@75, I’ll have Ha Tikvah on my mind, hoping for a positive and peaceful Eretz Yisrael as she enters her 76th year.
L’Shalom,
Terri Denison
Editor