Fifty years ago, yesterday, Jewish history changed. The world changed. Jerusalem became an intact city once again. Many of us remember the Six Day War, the lightning- fast victory of Israel which garnered the Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, a restored Judea and Samaria and Jerusalem -especially the Kotel in our hands- not to mention, international acclaim over the power of a small Jewish nation. Pride soared. It became cool to be Jewish and to be a supporter of Israel. Yesterday marked the Hebrew anniversary of the 3rd day of the war, and is known as Yom Yerushalayim ( the day of Jerusalem) and marks the date upon which Israeli forces took the Kotel from Jordanian control. ( Under the terms of the original UN Mandate Jerusalem was to be an international city. Jordan seized it during the 1948-9 war and no international objection was heard. For 19 years Jews took their lives in their hands if they walked too close to the Jewish section of Jerusaelm, coming into range of Jordanian snipers).
Now, today much of the world views Israel differently. Although a pioneer in many areas of innovation and research and still surrounded by many hostile forces, because of her military prowess and the West Bank Arabs under her control ,Israel is now viewed less sympathetically. Many criticize Israel for not quickly ‘solving’ the Palestinian problem. Unless and until overseas critics visit Israel and see for themselves the size of Israel and appreciate the complexities of living in tight quarters with many potential combatants who are more inclined to attack than committing to living side-by-side without hostility, this negative view will likely not diminish. Admittedly, the problem is colossal in scope and Israel must develop a consistent approach and carry out that approach. Just as the American electorate is dramatically split, so, too is the Israeli electorate divided. Thus, we have the divide between the political parties in Israel which are representing the majority consensus even as many Israeli citizens and Knesset members champion a more liberal approach. It is complicated.
May we all see shalom in Israel and, indeed, the entire world.
Rabbi Steve Silberman
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