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Just look what you're missing
IF you have not visited Israel recently, take a look at some
of the comments from tourists who have just returned from
there.
If there is a degree of duplication it only serves to confirm
these observations culled from various sources.
''It was a great trip in every way.'' ''I felt secure, not
threatened.'' ''The hotel accommodations and food were superb.''
''Despite the long plane trip this is a voyage I would recommend
that all Jews participate in as it will provide a personalised
feel for Israel and the present situation.''
Then there are "We were amazed to see how life goes
on despite the uncertainty that has become part of daily life."
"The trip to Israel filled a void in my heart that I
felt ever since the outbreak of violence in September of 2000.''
And how about ''Walking along the ancient streets and seeing
the faces of so many gracious people restored in me a sense
of hope and joy for the land of my ancestors.''
''All the nervousness we had felt at the outset was banished
when we were accosted in the street, again and again, by native
Israelis who, recognising that we were tourists, expressed
their gratitude to us for coming. They said it reassured them
that they were not alone, that they had not been forgotten
by mishpochoh.''
Then there are those who said: ''I was glad to have been
in Israel, but also sad. The economy is really bad and the
lack of tourists affects it greatly.
''I was heartened that the Israeli spirit is still strong.
I got together with my cousins in Tel Aviv and they told me
not to worry. 'We are Israelis, and life goes on,' they said.
''Our group was welcomed wherever we went and we felt safe
but, of course, a security guard was with us at all times.''
Another comment was: ''It was not just sightseeing. We could
look at historic sites and see them in the framework of their
role in Jewish history - a history being re-enacted in our
day in our presence.''
''It was great to talk to Israelis and get the spirit first
hand, not from headlines far off.'' ''Every security precaution
was taken on our behalf. After the first day, I no longer
felt any threat to our safety.
''The fact is, Jerusalem seemed deserted. It wasn't teeming
with crowds and cars as I had recalled from previous trips.
Instead, people went to work, stayed there and then returned
home at night. Shops and cafes were empty.''
From a rabbi leading a group: ''The Parashat Hashavua, the
week's Torah portion, took on very special meaning each week
we were there.''
''The trip at this time was a mistake. The people we met
tried to put on a cheerful face, but the gloom and tension
were obvious on every hand. But we'll be back when things
improve.''
''The overriding thought was that we have to return to America
ready to do everything in our power to educate Americans,
and Jews especially, about the true situation in Israel today.
We pray that others will take the opportunity to experience
what we have experienced, to learn what we have learned, and
to feel the great love and empathy with our brethren in Israel
that we feel.''
''Some Israelis feel forgotten by the rest of the world and
our presence there was a morale boost which cannot be measured
in dollars or shekels. Everywhere I went people knew I was
an American, were very happy to meet me and seemed to relish
my incomprehensible Hebrew.
''The epitome of the trip was most heartfelt with the words
of our tour bus driver, Yaacov, who simply said, 'We really
need you.' By the end of the trip I felt we needed them.''
''We got a new understanding of the security situation -
to see how close Jerusalem's Gilo is to Beit Jallah, how close
Arab cities like Kalkilia and Jenin are to Jewish population
centres.''
''All those souvenirs we brought home are in our minds associated
with the events that took place while we were there. Each
one has a special meaning and value beyond its intrinsic cost.''
''I hate to say it, but because of the lack of tourists there
were plenty of hotel rooms available and ample seating in
the best restaurants. The tourist guides were unhurried and
anxious to please.
''I must say that on the whole the Israelis were much more
polite than I remember from previous trips.''
''We felt gratified by the thanks we heard from just about
everyone we met - thanking us for coming to Israel.''
''Now that we're back home, we read the daily news reports
with a different perception. Everything has taken on a new,
deeper meaning.''
And, finally: ''You haven't been to Israel lately? My, what
you have missed!''
Email
him at urigeller@compuserve.com
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Uri Geller - Maximise your potential, the world's leading motivational
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