Living here in Jerusalem during the 60th anniversary of the world’s recognition of the Jewish homeland, we are able to appreciate how important this land is for Jews who live here and at the ends of the earth.  Every week we encounter Jewish people from around the world who have made a trip here.  They come to draw near to the heart of our people.  They have come to pray near to where the Beit HaMikdash (the Holy Temple) stood.  For many of them this is their first trip, but it will not be the last as the calling of Hashem is so strong in the streets of Jerusalem. Seeing our people gather here in such a way profoundly impacts those of us who live here.  Our faith in Hashem grows stronger as we see the zeal and appreciation of our people who have saved up to come to the Land of Avoteinu (our fathers).

Looking at the Kiddush Hashem (personal sacrifice leading to death for the cause) that was displayed by Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg Zt”l in Mumbai this fall, one cannot but be impressed by their love for fellow Jews wherever they were in their faith journey.  They opened their Chabad House in a difficult part of the world, far from the comforts of a wider observant community. He was the Rabbi, Shochet, Mohel, packed all in one.  Rivkah the Rebbitzin was the Mikveh attendant, mother, cook, caregiver all in one. Here in Israel, many backpackers gave testimony of the great lengths that this couple had gone to get them out of trouble.  They helped strangers whose belongings had been stolen, visited Jews in prison as a result of drug charges, and on and on.  Their home was open both to the rich and poor, young and old. This needs to be our heart for in reach within our people Israel.