[img]96|left|||no_popup[/img] Dateline Jerusalem — Almost 32 years ago I made my first visit to Israel. I was afraid to fly here, afraid of terrorists, afraid of everything associated with my visit. Over the years, my fears never abated. But I could not stay away. The land of Israel called out to me, hugged my soul, and lured me like a siren enticing lost ships. Every time I vacationed here, I had the same trepidations as my first experience. Yet, when I disembarked from the jet and touched Israeli ground beneath my feet, I shivered and got goosebumps on my arms. Tears of joy streamed down my face. I knew right then and there that I was “home.” The home of my ancestors beckoned me until I finally took the plunge and moved to Israel almost 4 years ago. I have never regretted my decision.
Some friends and relatives have told me they are afraid to visit a “war zone.” I must admit that was my fear so many years ago. But for the last 63 years, the State of Israel has had a continuous battle for its independence, for its right to exist. At times the battles were bloody, but some of the worst skirmishes were fought with words. The war has been with the U.N., the media, anti-Semites, and those who have no conception of what life is like in Israel, how important it is to have a Jewish State where freedoms abound and Jews have a haven to come to when the rest of the world sends them into exile or worse.
Although I am still afraid to fly, still frightened of terrorists and their rockets and missiles and bombs, and outright scared of my shadow, living here in Israel is no more dangerous than in the U.S. or Europe. In fact, I believe it is safer here than anywhere else. Here no one thinks twice about popping the trunk of his car when entering a mall parking lot, opening a purse for the security guard at the bank, or going through metal detectors at the train and bus station. Everyone does it. The procedure is fast and unobtrusive. Here I do not have to remove my shoes or be humiliated by a search when I get on an airplane. Security personnel are trained to detect minor nuances such as how I swallow, the movement of my eyes, the manner in which I answer their questions. Also, the entire country is always alert to strange packages, abandoned bags or luggage, or just the way someone behaves on public transportation. No one seems to take offense at these ordinary methods of protecting Israelis.
Too Much to See
Smaller than the state of New Jersey, Israel has so many sights and natural wonders that I have yet to see many of them. Although I have lived here and vacationed here over the years, I still have not had the opportunity to experience all of Hashem's (G-d's) magnificent creation. Ancient and modern blend together in perfect harmony. I often feel as though I am living history. If only I had studied archeology in college, I would be in Heaven.
From deserts to mountains to beaches, the beauty of this country is beyond breathtaking. The turquoise and aqua waters of the Mediterranean Sea with pristine white sand beaches the texture of talcum powder, the therapeutic minerals and mud from the salty waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest elevation on earth, the unique flora and fauna of the Red Sea seen from the underwater observatory in Eilat, the calm glass-like water of the Kinneret, also known as the Sea of Galilee and is Israel's largest freshwater lake, the waterfalls of the Banias thundering down the mountain with ferns and colorful flowers reminding me of the Fern Grotto on the island of Kauai in Hawaii, and the famous hot springs of Tiberias are just a few of the “must sees” in Israel.
The Roman amphitheater of Caesarea with its arches and aqueduct ruins, the twisting snake path climbing the side of Masada during the dawn hours to avoid the heat of the day or the daylight trip on a cable car climbing to the plateau atop Masada that reminds me of the Sky Ride at Disneyland, the Makhtesh Ramon Crater unique to Israel's Negev Desert, the Kumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, and the various nature reserves are other “must sees.”
Of course, the holiest place in all of Israel is the Kotel in Jerusalem, also known as the Western Wall and Wailing Wall. It is the only remnant of the ancient Western Wall surrounding the Holy Temple and for centuries Jews have cried and prayed at the wall mourning the destruction of the Holy Temple. Touching the ancient stones and with my fingers and my lips with tears streaming down my face is an indescribable experience. Above the Wall the sky is the bluest in all of Israel. There is no doubt in my mind that the presence of Hashem (G-d) sits above that Wall.
Israel has something for everyone. Don't let your fears prevent you from coming. Had I not overcome my apprehension and taken the step 32 years ago to visit Israel, I would not be writing to you now about the happiness I feel today living in this holy land I call my home.
L'hitraot. Shachar