A Prophetic Past, Present, and Future

October 10, 2012

Dear Friend of Israel,

A couple of months ago I traveled to Hungary – a bittersweet trip in many ways. As I walked through the incredibly beautiful city of Budapest, I couldn’t help but think of the 600,000 Jews who were murdered there just decades ago during the Holocaust. Though Hungary boasts the largest Jewish population in Eastern Europe with roughly 100,000 people, this is still a far cry from the one million Jews who called Hungary home before World War II.

As I walked down the ancient streets and contemplated all that was lost there, I felt like Ezekiel looking down on the valley of Sheol and seeing the dry bones. “Will these bones again live?”he asked in Ezekiel 37:3. At the same time, I had to ask myself:Will there ever again be a thriving Jewish life in Eastern Europe?

I began to see a hint of a hopeful answer to that question when I visited a summer camp for Jewish youth in Hungary. The camp brings together hundreds of young Jews to help them learn about and reclaim their Jewish identities. During the dark years of Nazi and communist rule, Jews hid all evidence of their Judaism to ensure their survival, and subsequent generations have grown up knowing nothing of their faith and traditions.

It was inspiring to see these young people being instructed in, and eagerly embracing, their Jewish faith. Looking to the future, however, I can’t help but think that the ultimate hope for them and other Jews in Europe is to make aliyah to Israel. Despite the continued threat of terror attacks, and the even graver threat of a nuclear Iran, Israel is still the safest place for Jewish people to call home. Here we may live with dignity and self-determination. Only in the Holy Land are we truly free to practice the rich traditions of our faith without fear of prejudice or persecution – prejudice and persecution that not only still exists, but is rising, throughout Europe and the world.

A strong, united Israel populated by Jews from around the world – including Judaism’s best and brightest – sends a message to the world that God’s people will endure. Jewish history is filled with cycles of persecution, followed by periods of stability, followed by more persecution. This is one of the main reasonsThe Fellowship makes aliyah possible for countless Jews around the world through our On Wings of Eagles program. We know the significance of a strong Jewish state. We know it’s imperative that we invest in the next generation by fully involving them in Jewish life, getting them excited about Israel, and helping build leadership and renewal for the future.

Though he was initially distraught, the prophet Ezekiel ultimately declared that there is hope for Israel’s future and that her children would return to her borders. Thanks to our generous supporters – and to God’s blessing – we are helping to facilitate that prophetic return and ensure that hopeful future.

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President