I am preparing myself for a mission to Israel with the American Conference of Cantors and the Guild of Temple Musicians. This trip has been years in the making, first being delayed because of COVID, then being completely redesigned because of the events of October 7. My deepest gratitude to the people who worked so hard to keep this trip alive, who's tireless efforts will result in another life-changing trip to Israel.
As the trip draws near (I am writing this a few days before my departure) I am getting more and more nervous. Perhaps surprisingly, I am not nervous about security and safety. For whatever reason, I have always felt completely safe in Israel, and I trust I will have the same feeling during this trip. My nervousness comes from the fact that I have always looked at Israel as my home. And, I am nervous to see what I am coming home to. I remember so clearly what it felt like each time I breathed the air in Israel at the beginning of each trip. What is that going to feel like this trip? There is no doubt that I am not traveling to the same Israel I have visited and shared with so many of you reading this. This Israel will be vastly different.
I know this will be an emotional trip but my heart is pulling me towards Israel, especially with all of the anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments coming forward around the world. Whenever there is some kind if disaster in the world, countless organizations ask, “What can I do?" Israel is often the first country to send people to help with the rescue and recovery. When the disaster happens in Israel with the atrocities brought forward upon her by Hamas the question being asked instead is, "What proof do you have?” Even with all of the footage that has come from the terrorists themselves, even with the evidence that Hamas is hiding behind civilians and placing weapons and bases in hospitals and schools, even with the fact that hostages have been held in civilian homes, it is Israel that is called into question. Israel seems to be facing criticism that shows a glaring double standard against each and every country that has engaged in war in the past, including the USA. And while we see countless demonstrations against Israel questioning her actions and even existence, there seems to be zero demonstrations outside Israel that demands the immediate release of the civilian hostages Hamas still holds, both dead and, I pray, alive. I just don’t understand the response to what has happened and what is happening in Israel. Don't get me wrong, what is happening in Gaza is a catastrophe, but in my opinion the deafening cry for a ceasefire should not be directed towards Israel, it should be directed towards Hamas who still, after more than 8 months, holds innocent people hostage.
My most important goal of this trip is to bear witness and bring my account of the events unfolding in Israel, Gaza and beyond to the Temple Adat Elohim community, the Guild of Temple Musicians community and beyond, and to share my support and love for Israel. With all of her faults, and there are many, I wholeheartedly stand with Israel’s right to exist and her desire to live in peace with her neighbors. Thank you for joining me on this difficult, emotional and important journey.
