2,594 years ago, the Babylonians exiled our nation from the land of Israel. Amid the fear that Judaism would not survive, our sages kept our dream alive with one message: "Remember the past, live in the present, hope for the future." Remember the holiness of Jerusalem, live out the time in Babylon, and hope for a return to Eretz Hakodesh.
USY, as we progress to Israel's 61st birthday, we face one huge challenge. Unlike last year, when world Jewry was united under the 60th birthday of our homeland, the next 10 years until the 70th birthday will be a struggle where Israel will not be on everyone's minds. It's a fact that 60 is a more attractive number than 61, 62, 63 ….
As Conservative Jewish leaders of the PRESENT, it is our job to make sure that Israel stays relevant in not only our USY chapers, but our synagogue's as a whole. Whether it is writing in your synagogue's monthly bulletin or working to send USYers on USY Israel Pilgrimage, Nativ, and USY High, we can make the difference so that Israel stays central in our hearts. If we don't take action now and take time to visit Israel, we could repeat what happened 2,594 years ago.
In 2009, join me as we remember our past, live in the present, and move towards the future to make sure Israel stays central in our hearts. If you ever need have a question relating to Israel, send an email to israel@usy.org. Don't be scared to ask questions; if we are scared about something that small, how can we protect our homeland?
B'ahava
Ron Shapiro
2009 USY Israel Affairs Vice President
Full Name: Ronny Daniel Shapiro
Birthday: December 16, 1990
Chapter/Region: Har Zion Temple/Hagesher
Favorite Quote: "If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert." – David Ben Gurion z"l
Favorite Country (outside of Israel): Australia
Favorite Fruit: Mango
Favorite Breakfast Food: Reese's Puffs
Favorite Word in the (Hebrew) Dictionary: Balagan
Goal for the Year: To make a connection to Israel between every level of USY: the chapters, the regions, and International USY as a whole.
Request for the Year: If you are a chapter president or Israel affairs VP, add yourself to the chapter IA listserv (below)!
Resource for Chapter Israel VPs
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