#5

Today I stood in the Golan Heights and looked out at Mount Hermon. Part of the mountain sits in Lebanon, another in Syria and another in Israel. The mountain is the only stable feature in the area. Lebanon is controlled by Hezbollah and contains some 10,000 missiles and rockets pointed at Israel, Syria is no longer a country but a synonym for misery, chaos and violence. What was only a few years ago Israel's quietest border is now the epicenter of terrorism. On the border of Israel are Hezbollah fighters, militias fighting against Assad and the flag of Isis can now be seen. Add Iran and Russia to the mix and we see how very difficult the situation is for the people of Syria and the entire region. This is the reality of modern Israel.

After listening to our guide, a Colonel in the IDF, we leave with an understanding not only of complexity but confidence in the strength , resolve and intelligence of the IDF.

I go from there to Jerusalem. The farthest northern point to celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of Alexandra Gassol at student at Bernard Zell. Driving we see the the lushness of modern Israel. In Jerusalem there is building going on everywhere. Coming to the Old City the streets are clogged with tourist buses. We celebrate at the area set aside for egalitarian services and I have the pleasure and privilege of watching a Bat Mitzvah and their family experience the power and grandeur of Israel in an unforgettable moment.

Despite its challenges Israel is alive and flourishing. We pray that Israel will remain unshakable like Mount Hermon. Am Yisrsel Chai.