My birthday message for my brothers and sisters in Israel

Dear friends and family,

As I sit here in the United States, it struck me that the best way for me to celebrate Israel’s birthday is to show my love and support for all of you. While many Jews and non-Jews alike have shown support in various ways over the years, it is all of you that are everything that is Israel. You’ve worked, farmed, taught, and built the land. You’ve served in the IDF to defend the Jewish homeland, experienced pain, exhaustion, fear and worst of all, loss. So many of you have children serving as we speak, putting their lives in danger to fight for the very existence of the Jewish state.

A few months back, one of my old buddies living in Israel appeared to take umbrage in my implication that those fighting do it for world Jewry. I want him and all of you to know that I recognize that with all the pain and sadness we feel over here, I am fully aware that ultimately all of you are right there, living through all the good and bad life in Israel has provided for you. It is easy to sit here and praise and thank those who make the sacrifices with words while so many of you have to deal with a reality we never have to face. But please know, that all of you are not only the foundation of the State of Israel, you are loved and appreciated for developing and protecting the Jewish state.

I pray not only for your safety, but on your collective birthday a speedy return to peace, happiness and prosperity.

With love for you all,

David Groen