First, we flew the national carrier, El Al. I decided not to join any group but spend the money on a recommended guide who would show us Israel from top to bottom, ancient to modern, . Since my reasons to visit Israel were cultural, spiritual, and historical, I chose not to travel to the far south at Elat, a mostly resort area on the Red Sea.
Arriving at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was beyond my anticipation. The 14 hour non-stop flight from LAX was a bit less than comfortable but the wait was worth it… Upon clearing customs at Tel Aviv, our guide picked us up and ferried Angela and I to Tel Aviv. First, I noticed the building boom ongoing everywhere. I observed no fewer than ten giant skyscraper cranes, all working. I came to understand Israel’s 5.5% unemployment rate and burgeoning high tech industry were the primary factors contributing to the vibrant economy. Contemporary Israel also showed its exposed underbelly as I couldn’t help but notice the plethora of graffiti on so many buildings. Pointing at the blight, I asked, “What’s that?” Our guide responded there are many who express their feelings in a less than appropriate manner. I shrugged, “… Free Speech is alive and well in Israel, just like the States…”
After settling in to our superb Dan Panorama hotel, we had our plan set for the next 10 days. We would circumnavigate Israel, traveling some 1300 miles off the main roads and into many nook and cranny spots few tourists see. Initially, we headed north to Caesarea, the ancient Roman city built by King Herod, a Roman by birth but a Jewish convert by religion; he was never acknowledged or accepted by the ancient Hebrews. I was humbled to actually observe the site where chariot races entertained the King and his Court and gladiators fought to their death some 2,000 years ago. Thumb’s up or down was originated on this site. I was standing on hallowed ground.
Ancient history surrounded me. I was in awe reminding myself of the formation of the Jewish state and was reminded the British were not always so cordial to Jews, especially those attempting to escape the horrors of Nazi-controlled Europe. Thousands of Jews drove, walked, or took ships attempting to enter the British-controlled Palestinian mandate. I saw first hand the illegal immigration detention center at Atlit. The UK early on sided with the Arabs in deterring and preventing Jews from entering Palestine even after WWII in the aftermath of the Holocaust. And in flurry of frustration, Great Britain surrendered control and Israel was born in May of 1948. It has been at war with her neighbors for the last 64 years.
Traveling north, it was mouth-dropping observing the northern border with Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon and the Golan Heights on the Syrian border. I observed looking up and standing on what was once Syria but is now in Israeli hands, since the six day 1967
War. I murmured quietly, “This for real…” Israel Defense forces were omnipresent and maintaine the integrity on the tenuous border. Peering over the electronic fence, I could almost reach out and touch the UN trucks patrolling the no-man’s land.
By far the highlight on my visit to Israel was experiencing Jerusalem. This is where the cultures of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam emerged and today co-exist. Traveling deep into the Earth’s lowest point, the Dead Sea Valley some 1300 feet below sea level, viewing the site of the location of the Dead Sea Scrolls, then ascending Masada Peak was breathtaking. My final day was spent at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust remembrance museum, west of Jerusalem. Having spent some many hours at Yad Vashem put my experience into perspective: I was certain now I understood why Israel exists and why it must continue to endure and flourish, despite what many would call insurmountable opposition.
One cannot visit the Holy Land without meeting lots of Americans. As chance would have it, my wife and I met up with Temple Beth Ami and Rabbi Mark Blazer who was escorting a good size group from Santa Clarita. Since I no longer live in the SCV, I met up with some old acquaintances including my old high school classmate, Herman Zayon. You should have been a fly on the wall as Herman and I engaged in vigorous political discussion. It was like William Buckley and Gore Vidal going one-on-one. Though my old friend and I share little on political points of view, I must admit the discourse between us was vibrant and stimulating. No one changed anyone’s mind that night; it was just two sons of Abraham meeting up 1/3 of the way around the globe in Israel.
In follow-up commentaries, I will discuss Israel’s fail-safe, incomparable security which includes the here-to-for mentioned electronic fences, 80′ concrete walls, and an Israeli defense force omnipresent. Indeed, the United States could take a lesson or two on Israel’s ability to keep undesirables out. Also, in a follow-up commentary, I hope you will indulge me as I address my own Jewish identity after visiting Israel for the first time. Israelis are hearty people, deserving of international admiration and respect.
Israel is indeed… One of a Kind.
Shalom for now!
Roger Gitlin is an alumnus of College of the Canyons, a retired teacher and member of the National and Del Norte Tea Party. He also founded the Santa Clarita Valley Independent minutemen. He lives in Crescent City, California and can be reached at [email protected]. His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon.