Tracy Frydberg- The Modern Voice - June 30, 2011
Shalom from the Golan Heights! Today our group listened to an incredible woman named Gal Lousky who is the founder and CEO of Israeli Flying Aid (IFA), an organization based on providing humanitarian aid to areas stricken by territorial conflicts and natural disaster. Most recently, the IFA, along with the Israeli army flew to Haiti to help assist the victims of the earthquake in 2010. They provide food, shelter, medical treatment, and other services to help the victims get the assistance that they need. Gal Lousky told many incredible and moving stories and I strongly encourage you to check out the website and learn more about the IFA’s past missions. One of the most moving statements that Gal Lousky made was that her aim is to be a, “voice for the voiceless.” During the Holocaust, the Jewish people did not have a voice or an ally in the world to help us escape. The Israeli Flying Aid organization is a reminder of the obligation that Jews have to make sure that “never again,” not only will a Holocaust not happen to the our people, but to all people suffering in the world.
On the bus today our tour guide, Opher, was discussing the issues that face Israel today. He explained that Jews in Israel sometimes still think of themselves as the minority even though they remain the majority in their nation. It is important as a Jew inside and outside of Israel to remember that no longer are we the Jews of the Ghetto like our grandparents were. Gal Lousky is a perfect reminder of how far the Jewish nation has come.
Israel is going through an interesting period because for the first time the nation is considering more than just its survival and existence. Even though there are many challenges that still face the modern Jew and the State of Israel, there is a certain sense of security that we, the Jewish people, can now feel having such a prosperous country to be a part of and Jewish army to defend us.
The Jewish state and the people of Israel are transitioning into becoming stronger global advocates of social justice and peace. The modern Jew is as well. We know from experience what it is like to not have anyone advocating for us and this should make us very sensitive when others find themselves in need of help. Whether a minority in the diaspora or a majority in Israel, the Modern Jew ought to have a powerful voice to represent all of those who are unable to represent themselves.