“One for the other, in good times and bad, in laughter and in tears.”
The word “Israel,” which appears more than 2,000 times in the Bible, is made up of, according to my understanding and perception, a combination of the Hebrew letters “yud-shin-resh” (yashar, or in English, direct) and “alef-lamed” (El, or in English, God) – that is, something that connects us directly to God.
It is not by chance that we are considered the Chosen People; we, the Jewish people, were chosen. We were chosen to serve as an example, to be a light unto the nations, to be a light unto ourselves. That is our uniqueness as a people, but together with this comes a very important responsibility.
Taking responsibility and serving as an example, both personally and collectively, are not just tired old concepts but rather our signposts as individuals and as a nation, as people who want and are committed to lead towards the good and towards repair.
I know that many people are reaching a state of despair because of what they see in the news every day, but I also know that we are a wonderful people. There are many good people, and even more good deeds – we just have to open our eyes and look at the good. Every day I encounter people of our nation who care for others, support, give love and do good – lots of good.
It is worthwhile for all of us to connect to that good because in truth, where else in the world can this sense of family be found? Where else in the world is there such friendship? Where else in the world are there so many people who share with each other the moments of joy and sadness? In Israel, you can find people who are there for one another, in good times and bad, in laughter and tears.
So yes, I am not embarrassed to say this loud and clear: Our country is wonderful – we just need to look inwards and to see ourselves and the humanity within us. Because for me, the State of Israel is a huge soul, a Jewish soul of love and loving-kindness. The State of Israel is an important source of energy for the world – it’s not by chance that the entire world looks at us and examines us, not by chance that lofty deeds are expected of us. That’s our role! And we can carry it out only if everyone in the country comes together in unity. One people – one soul.
If we work together as one, this energy will flow out into the entire world. If we beat together as one heart, the heart of the world, we can infuse blood into the whole body, to the ends of the universe, and then repair will take place.
In my eyes, it is meaningful that 'Yom Atzmaut,' Independence Day, follows Pesach (also known as Passover). The Exodus from Egypt, as we know, was leaving slavery for freedom. Because there can be independence only when there is freedom, and our independence can be preserved only by unity, by our togetherness.
I believe that every person in our country, no matter what his or her worldview, deep-down inside loves the people and the state. This is our home, this is us, this is our uniqueness and our togetherness. It seems to me that everyone feels this – some more and some less – because it is impossible not to feel the strength of this special country – because in the brief years of its existence it has already made mighty achievements here and throughout the world in countless fields of endeavor.
Let us all connect with one another and with our marvelous country, so that we can serve as a personal example and fulfill our roles, for ourselves and for the whole world.
So I would like to say with great pride that I wholeheartedly love the State of Israel – and the people who live within it.
With best wishes for a Happy Independence Day,
Shari Arison