To the State of Israel and all its inhabitants,

I write to all of you, who dwell all over this country, may we get to celebrate its 75 years of existence. My letter is addressing the heart of each and every one of us, with the hope that we will be wise enough to build our future here, together. “A voice of once called…make straight in the desert” (Isaiah 40, 3), and I hear Hannah - the paratrooper, as if responding: “a voice called and I went. I went, because the voice called”. Declaring with a clear voice: “I went so I will not fall”. A young woman puts her soul in her hands, risks her life, faces the terror of death of her brothers and sisters, the Jewish DNA flows in her veins. Before we will wear ourselves out: “They help each other and say to their companions, “Be strong!” (Isaiah 41, 6), “But at the crossroad” says the hero of the past, “I closed my ears….and I cried because I lost something”. I can identify with her, afraid we have lost our way of common pursuit towards a valuable goal.

Throughout all the years of Jewish history, having a respectful controversy was our unique way. After debating, hardening and arguing - there is the final phase of making a decision, which is based on taking all major considerations into account, by examining each and every one of them closely.  Nowadays, however, each subject being discussed , small or large - emotions are heated and there is a new meaning to the rule: “do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd” (Exodus 23, 2). The winner of the election campaign, usually aspires to dominate his approach on all others, sometimes even forcefully. 

The public discourse, between left and right, east and west, became bitter, violent and destructive. Did he get to this point, without the ability to listen? Very soon, God forbid, we will not be able to make the wrong right again. It is in our power to bring change! I believe, full heartedly, and therefore I turn to you with a request: We must take responsibility and declare with determination: Any violent behavior will no longer be accepted by us! Those who want our support, must strive for a full genuine cooperation, creating processes of change, constructed by a thoughtful process. By bringing up all the different considerations, prices and profits, that will do good to the gentile texture of the tribe of sisters and brothers.  I wish we will gain leadership that can differentiate between good and evil and can create a decent, enlightening reality. By doing that, with sense and sensibility, we will be able to hear the prophetic message: “The Lord will surely comfort Zion… Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing” (Isaiah 51, 3).