An Open Letter to God

Representatives from 70 nations have gathered in Paris to offer their solution to the Israel-Arab conflict. More than 30 of the nations at the “peace” conference do not actually recognize Israel.    

Neither Israel nor the Palestinians are represented there. And, even more amazing, the conclusion has been determined before the first speech has been given, the first idea suggested. That’s right, there’s a draft agreement in place. It’s all theatrics.

I could write to Obama and Kerry, begging them not to further harm a country they love to claim is one of America’s “strongest allies.” But that would be a waste of time and words. They are, in reality, evil men who have long hated Israel and this is their final chance to get that message across before they finally, and ignobly, leave office.

I could write to each of the nations and ask how it is possible that they can ignore problems in their own countries while focusing on little Israel and a conflict that has claimed a fraction of the lives caused by the Syrian Civil War and other ongoing conflicts.

I could write to the Germans, and I’d have a lot to say to them; to the French and the Swedes, the Belgians…but there comes a moment when you realize that a wall would be more responsive, and likely more intelligent and so…

Dear God,

Thank you.

Thank you for the blessing of waking up this morning. In my home, here in Israel. Thank you for the golden sunrise that filled the skies, the rays that touched the edges of Jerusalem, that I can see from here.

Thank you for my youngest son, who once again rose before dawn and left home. He is traveling at this moment, to a border of Israel, where he will stand watch in the weeks and months to come.

Thank you for my life, my family and friends, my city, and all the people of Israel who will treat this day as any other. What happens in Paris is nothing to us. They have no power – that is Yours alone. You determine the future; You gave us the past.

I know I should end this letter right here because really, I am nothing to ask something from You. But all my life, I have asked, and You have granted. I dreamed at 13 to live in Israel; and this precious gift, You have given me.

I dreamed of marrying a young man, kind and handsome, strong and loving. I dreamed of a home we would build together and children we would have. And all this, You gave to me.

I dreamed of watching my children grow here in this land, and this precious gift You have given to me. And beyond that dream, I should have asked for grandchildren but before I even could, You gave them to me. Four precious and beautiful babies of my babies. And I thank You for each of them, including my latest little lion.

You have watched over my people, Your nation of Israel, for thousands of years. And in each case, and in each century, those who stood against us fell. Always it was Your Might that stopped them; You who delivered miracle after miracle.

Now again, the nations of the world gather against us but here in our land, today was a normal day. Traffic where there should be; kindness amongst the people. Meetings everywhere; malls full of people. Jerusalem sparkled; Tel Aviv hustled. What happens in Paris today is nothing. They are nothing and will be nothing. This is the lesson that You have taught us. Those who go against the people of Israel, will not succeed. Even at the lowest times in our history, You were with us. Forever, was the promise that You would bring us home again, to the land You gave us. And we are here.

This time, we will fulfill our vow to serve You and to protect our land. Even when we are most divided, we are still united. It is that unity that differs from the past. We have learned our lessons and we will not be exiled again. Masada will not fall; we will not commit suicide.

And as the nations of the world gather to speak out against us.

Let them be ashamed. It is You alone. It has always been You alone, who guards the people of Israel.

6 thoughts on “An Open Letter to God”

  1. The article mentions 70 nations, 30 of which do not recognize Israel. Does anyone have a full list? I’ve been unable to find one.

  2. Norman_In_New_York

    The French president who conceived this conference is now a lame duck who will not seek reelection in May, as his approval rating among voters stands at a resounding 4%.

  3. I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes. What a beautiful, meaningful article written with your usual exquisite expertise. I too decided at age 13 to make aliya and like you have been blessed to live here. Once again you have expressed exactly what my heart feels. Bravo on an extremely moving post Paula!

  4. Trent U. alumnus

    I don’t get to Jerusalem as often as I’d like, but I had to be there for a meeting this morning, so I decided to make a day of it. Two incidents stand out, related to things you have written here, Paula.
    1) At the bus stop where I got on this morning in Beit Shemesh, there were already a couple of women standing together who told me that they were waiting for the same bus and that it had not come in the 5 minutes they had been there. While we were waiting, I suddenly realized I had left my cell phone at home, and didn’t have time to go back for it, so one of these women very kindly loaned me hers so I could call my wife to tell her I wouldn’t have my phone with me. A minute later, another woman arrived, rolling a small but heavy-looking suitcase. She also asked if the bus had come yet, then went to sit down in the shelter. We were standing, however, off to one side, but as I was pacing back and forth in front of the shelter, I suddenly noticed her sobbing to herself. I asked her what was wrong, but she just shook her head, so I brought her plight to the attention of the two women. The same woman who had loaned me her phone immediately sat down beside her and began to comfort her. When the bus came, she made sure to sit with her all the way to her final destination at the Central Bus Station. (Near the entrance to Jerusalem, I asked her if, in case she was getting off like me at the Givat Shaul stop, she would like some help with her suitcase, but that wasn’t the case.) I didn’t ask what was causing her distress, so I hope she’s better now.
    2) Sitting at an outdoor restaurant table in the middle of Ben Yehuda, I occupied myself with one of my favourite activities: people-watching. At one point, three Filipina women were approaching on the left, headed down past my table. On the right, a little ways behind them, I spotted another Filipina looking at them and trying to catch up. As she drew closer, she called out to them something that sounded like “Winn!” The threesome stopped, recognized her and waited for her to catch up. Then, as they embraced, the one she had addressed cried “Ma nishma?” They then continued their conversation in Tagalog. Only in Israel.

      1. Trent U. alumnus

        Thanks, @Brian of London. Forgot my phone at home, but it’s not a smart phone anyway, so it’s pretty boring to stare at. And I’m of an older generation that appreciates the novelty inherent in people-watching over the virtual reality that my tablet could have provided.

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