Like many American Jews, I don’t have an extraordinary connection to Israel. I don’t have any close relatives or friends who live there. I don’t speak fluent Hebrew, and I’ve never been to Israel. You could say that I’ve taken the existence of the State of Israel for granted.
Since becoming more involved in Milwaukee’s Jewish community, my attitude has changed. I’ve seen how Jews help other Jews in need on a local, national and international basis. I’ve realized how everyone’s ongoing support of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s annual Community Campaign helps build and maintain our local community and takes responsibility for our overseas Jewish family.
While I’ve appreciated for a long time what a difference it makes to live in a wonderful Jewish community like Milwaukee, I’m just now beginning to understand fully how critical the existence, security and support of a Jewish homeland is to the safety and continuation of the Jewish people everywhere. Where would the persecuted Jews of the former Soviet Union have been able to go? What about the Ethiopian Jews?
Just recently I learned that Argentinean Jews, many whom have suddenly become destitute due to their country’s unraveling economy, are leaving for Israel in large numbers. Despite the current violence and uncertainty, they still view Israel as their homeland and have chosen to make their future there.
It is also extremely disturbing to hear of the recent rise of targeted violence against Jews throughout Europe and of extremist political attitudes in France, confirming that anti-Semitic sentiment still permeates Europe. I always heard the words “Never again” when referring to the Holocaust and attacks against Jews, and just assumed that to be a truth — how naïve of me.
What we are facing with today’s crisis is different than what we faced in the past. Israel is being assaulted by terror, and that terror is striking at the country’s economic and social fabric. Money is needed to help the victims of suicide bombers, provide increased security, ensure the safe aliyah of needy Jews and enable the social service system to serve the increasing psychological and physical needs of Israel’s people.
The federation’s Israel Emergency Campaign, which will last for 54 days (in honor of Israel’s 54 years of existence), has been created to respond to these emergency needs. Sometimes it seems as if we will never be able to meet all the needs, and that the demand for financial support will never decrease. However, just because the task appears somewhat daunting doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do our individual best to come to Israel’s assistance.
I feel very fortunate to be able to give. I have all the necessities, and many luxuries of life, at my fingertips. But most important, I can go out to eat, watch a movie and go grocery shopping without fear for my own safety or for the safety of my family or friends.
The 1967 and 1973 wars are history to me; they occurred when I was a child. The current crisis is the first that I can do something about, and I want to be able to tell my children that I did my part in helping ensure Israel’s strength and survival. I might not have an extraordinary connection to Israel, but I am Jewish, and that fact alone makes my responsibility and connection very special indeed.
I urge you to join me in not taking Israel for granted anymore.
Susan Angel Miller is a community volunteer who received the Milwaukee Jewish Federation Ann Agulnick Young Leadership Award in 2000.
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