Our Need for Israel (Emma Atlas, High School Intern)
My most recent visit to Israel over the summer solidified my belief in our need for Israel. Going on NCSY’s TJJ Ambassadors Poland opened my eyes to the struggle and oppression of Jews throughout history. On this organized trip, where students like myself spent a week in Poland followed by 3 weeks in Israel, I learned, explored, and witnessed the history of my people. Learning about the everlasting significance of Israel to the Jewish people resonated with me greatly. Not only did I gain a better understanding of our challenge-filled past, but, more importantly, our need for change in the future.
Tuesday, July 2nd
“We are currently in the death camp of Treblinka. Before coming on AP, I had heard countless Holocaust stories, but nothing felt real. I felt connected, but this experience is completely different. It’s surreal to me that this is where the holocaust really took place. This is where millions of Jewish people were sent to die for the sole crime of being Jewish. It reminds me how lucky I am to be living freely as a Jew in Canada today.”
During the week in Poland, I learned more about my ancestors than ever before. No amount of books, movies, or articles could have prepared me for the magnitude of emotions I felt in those moments. Walking through the historical sites of Poland, I felt the weight of millions of innocent
souls. Being present during these moments allowed me to empathize with our people and
reflect on the significance of these events.
Time after time, the Jews were expelled from their homes with nowhere to go and no place tocall home. From the first Crusade massacre in 1096 to the Spanish Inquisition in 1492, one thing remained common: there lacked an established location known as our home; a place where we had independence.
Walking through the same concentration camps where my people once suffered allowed me to recognize something very special: the privilege of going home to Israel. Our safe haven, our love, and our soul; all belong to Israel. Having a place where we are always welcome and can always feel safe is crucial for the Jewish population to thrive. From the long list of exiles in our history, it is clear what happens when we do not have our own land.
Sunday, July 21st
After being in Israel for the past 3 weeks, I have gained a new perspective on what it means to be a Jew. The song “Geshmak to be a Yid” really is true – it’s awesome. Although I have tried avoiding any talk about the Holocaust since being in Israel considering how emotionally draining the week in Poland was, I am glad to know that the Jewish people have a homeland where we can always feel safe. A place where we can come and feel proud to be Jewish. A place where we can feel no shame for practicing our traditions. Here, there is no one standing in our way and threatening our lives for something as simple as lighting the Shabbat candles. With this being said, we should take pride in our Judaism and how far the Jewish people have come and how strong we are as a nation. With resilience and hope, the Jews were able to rise, over and over again. Together, we are undefeatable and powerful, and nothing can get in the way of that.”
Israel represents our Jewish community in all its power, resilience, and gratitude. Despite being small in number, we are a strong family that together can overcome anything. With a beautiful place to call home, we can feel safe to be ourselves and celebrate our Jewish roots.
