We’ve been reading and talking about Israel’s 50th birthday for months.
Now — finally — it’s time for the entire community to come together to celebrate.
On Sunday, a massive birthday party is set from noon to 6 p.m. at Golden Gate Park’s Sharon Meadows. “Israel in the Park” is expected to draw up to 12,000 guests.
It’s possible that Sunday’s event will be the largest gathering of Bay Area Jews ever.
Jews here rarely get the opportunity to feel the full force of our presence. When we get a chance for thousands of us to gather in one spot, we should take advantage of it.
The draw of Israel won’t only be felt in the park.
This week also marks the biggest issue the Jewish Bulletin has ever published. We have a 44-page newspaper and an 88-page special supplement for Israel’s birthday.
To us, the size of the special section demonstrates once again the significance of Israel to our community.
So what’s the appeal?
It’s slightly different for everyone.
Some celebrate the miracle; others commemorate the necessity. Some are struck by the glory of the past; others are proud of what Israel has become.
Many of us are old enough to have witnessed what the world was like for Jews before Israel was born. An even larger number are blessed to have not lived a day of our lives without the existence of the Jewish state.
Some of us find fault with the government, even if we love the people and the country. Others don’t want to change a thing.
Whatever our status or view, we’re all welcome to celebrate this weekend. And more importantly, we’re all needed — not only to support Israel but to sustain our community as well.