Why Celebrate Israeli Independence Day?

As we approach Israel’s Independence Day, once again the question arises. “Why should we celebrate?” We may have a country called Israel, but we can hardly call ourselves “independent”. We have leaders who seek to give away at least part of our country to build a new Arab enemy state on Jewish soil. The nations of the world condemn us, and even the USA is demanding that we give away our homeland to the PLO. So why do we recite Hallel, wave the flag and have barbecues? Indeed there are those who refrain from these expressions of joy.

It is certainly true that our leadership lacks Jewish self respect in its futile efforts to be like all of the other nations. We are not yet fulfilling our role to be a light unto the nations since we have refused to accept our obligation to be a truly Jewish nation and conduct our national as well as personal lives according to the Commandments of our G‑d. To some, celebrating Israeli Independence Day as a religious holiday seems blasphemous. Yet the reality is that we are permitting our frustration and anger with the faults of our government to interfere with the very real miracles which have been handed to us by our G‑d.The fact is that, back in 1948, when we did not have a real army and were overwhelmingly outnumbered by enemies who sought our destruction, we won the war and were able to declare a Jewish State! This simple fact defies explanation. If we are given miracles and then choose not to act upon them can we then deny the miracles? Do we not still have an obligation to thank G‑d for those miracles? Again, in 1967, this country stood on the brink of annihilation. The world fully expected the Arab nations to destroy Israel. No human being on the face of the Earth could deny the miracle that not only saw us escape being destroyed, but saw us defeat all of our enemies and return to more of our ancient homeland within a mere six days! Can we deny G‑d’s miracles simply because our leaders have consistently refused to accept them? And is it any less miraculous that ever since 1967 our leaders have been trying to give away the miracles for “peace” and have consistently failed to do so?

By any norm of logic this country should never have come into existence.
Our leaders have made every mistake humanly possible, and yet we have continued to grow and thrive when we should have shriveled up and disappeared! The State of Israel is the beginning of fulfillment of Biblical Prophesy. There is simply no other explanation for its existence. Yes, indeed, the nations of the world are gathering together as a unit in an effort to destroy this tiny, seemingly insignificant country. Does that make any sense? Why should anyone care what happens to us? Why is Israel so important to all of the nations of the world?
Why should the USA and all of the European nations bother with us?

The Jewish People have outlived their enemies. We have maintained our identity in all of the lands of our Exile. We have been hated in every generation because our very existence reminded the nations that there is a Creator whom we all must serve. Hitler and those like him felt that if the Jewish People could be destroyed it would prove that there is no Creator and that Mankind had no obligations other than to itself. While the existence of an exiled Jewish people was an annoyance, the very concept of this same beaten people returning home to their ancient homeland and rebuilding Jewish sovereignty there was terrifying! It simply could not be permitted. When Great Britain left Israel they believed and hoped that the Arabs would destroy us. The nations watched, in fear and trepiodation, as time after time we defeated enemies who seemed certain to destroy us.

The existence of a Jewish State, especially against the will of the nations of the world, is a sanctification of our G‑d. It is physical proof that He is very real. This is a fact which the nations do not want to accept. When they hear Jewish leaders talk about retreat and surrender, that is a desecration of our G‑d, as it gives them reason to hope that maybe He isn’t real.

Redemption is a Divine Process which cannot be stopped. Those who try to interfere with the process will be wiped away by it. It matters not if the attempt is made by a madman from Iran, or a Jewish Prime Minister, Jewish Destiny will prevail. Ariel Sharon was in a position to bring greatness to Israel. Instead he brought us shame and tragedy. His personal punishment was swift and unique. One would hope that his successors would take notice and change direction.

Not only can the Jewish State become the light unto all of the nations… she will. The Jewish people are returning home from all over the world. Those who choose to stay in the Exile will soon discover that the Exile is coming to an end. If they don’t leave on their own it will spit them out. Project Shofar is sounding the alarm that time is running out.
I will be making another trip to the states at the end of June. Should you be interested in inviting me to speak in your neighborhood please send me an email gary@projectshofar.org. I will make every effort to go wherever I am called upon to go.

Yom HaAtzmaut is a very real Jewish holiday upon which every Jew should rejoice. I thank G‑d every day for the privilege of being able to live in my country… in the City of Abraham, and watch my children and grandchildren growing and thriving here. I pity those who have chosen not to have these blessings. Chag Sameach! A joyous holiday to all.