64 years ago Prime Minister David Ben Gurion made a historic visit to New York City. He was given a hero’s welcome by one million New Yorkers who lined the sidewalks of 5th Avenue to cheer him on as he led a parade, showered with confetti and with the deep emotions of goodwill and brotherhood that to this day are the foundations of the bond between Israel and the United States of America, a bond like which there is no other in the family of nations.
Declaring their love and support for the Jewish State, the participants in the parade include Jews and Christians, young and old, religious and secular, Ashkenazi and Sephardi, artists and entrepreneurs, luminaries and lay-people.
I wonder whether there is anything else that can unite the Jewish Communities more strongly than this, their devotion to the Jewish homeland.
No greater gift than this could be made to the boycotters, the Israel-haters and the anti-Semites – those very same groups those who politicize the parade claim to oppose. If the tradition of the parade would die as a result of politicization, we would be handing them a handsome victory on a silver plate.
Rather than seeing it mired in controversy and accusations, we wish to see this parade march under the same banner that it did in past years, with leaders like David Ben Gurion at its head. That is the banner of amazement and appreciation for Israel’s incredible achievements.
Back then, Israel’s main achievement was her very survival. Today Israel's achievements are her outstanding and innovative contributions to the world in fields spanning healthcare, telecommunications, agriculture, jazz, dance, clean-tech, road-safety and many many more. That is something we can all celebrate.
World is much better place both scientifically and health wise thanks to Israel.
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