Roey Tshuva, Shaliach
The discussion about what is it to be pro Israel is growing and growing; there are always new opinions and new points of view. It is very interesting to see the diversity in our people when you ask that question. As an Israeli that lives here I have been asked a lot of times, what is my opinion? All of those who have opinions claim that they love Israel, that they care for Israel, But is it always because of their big love of Israel? Our enemy also have opinions about Israel… I find the answer very complicated, there is not one good answer for that. Those who think that Israel is only about how it treats the Palestinians are wrong, Israel is much more then this, our young and small Jewish State is struggling for its identity since the second it was born, actually the struggle started even before that.
To be Pro Israel in my opinion begins with a deep understanding that Israel is much more then the famous conflict it is about the understanding that Israel is trying to stabilize its identity, between the religious people and not religious and ultra orthodox, Arab citizens and other minorities, refugees from Africa, security inside the country and threats from the outside and on the borders and more, and with all of that trying to be the only democracy in the region and the only Jewish State in the world.
There are at least two options to be Pro Israel; The first one is – Find for yourself one topic that you interested in, such as the Israel Palestinians conflict, ask yourself what would I do if it was for me to decide, put it out on the first newspaper that want it and here you are Pro Israel by giving advise to the Israeli government. The second is a little bit harder, start with reading, try to understand the whole picture, ask yourself how one issue influence the other one, maybe speak with some Israelis, try to put yourself in some of the situations such as what if I have to give up my house just because it will be good for the country, ask yourself questions (look for hard ones), and only then we can all start consolidate our opinion. I choose the second option.
For me to be pro something means to support it, not trying to change it all the time, its trying to see how can I help but not less important to be careful that I’m not causing any harm with my deed, to be aware that even when I totally believe that I understand everything the best way I’m helping to create and not to ruin.
When you love someone you help him even when you are not agree with him, you understand that even when you criticize him you still want to empower him and help him grow up and be stronger, and I’m sure that you never want to hurt him.
So I love Israel ….
See some more interesting opinions about “what does it mean to be pro Israel today?”
http://www.momentmag.com/moment/issues/2012/02/Symposium.html
