Reflections on the ROI Summit Opening

This Summit couldn't have come at a better time, morally, for me personally as an Israeli. It's been a tough few weeks. After the tumults of the Gaza Flotilla events and during the Shalit family's march - it is extremely heartwarming to realize, once again, with my own eyes, ears and mind and soul - that there are so many people who share a passion for Jewish peoplehood, culture, heritage and for the Jewish state.

This summit, so full of meaning in itself - is given  a stronger meaning for me in these times. It's so good to see all of the members of this community! It's wonderfull to see participants from all over the world, that embody so much love of the Jewish people, and for Israel, regardless of their views of Israeli politics. I was deeply touched by Lynn Schusterman's words about Israel, about how Israel appears without purpose and confused. This made me sad, since it hit on a note of truth, as I sometimes feel that the main purpose left - amidst the many divides in Israeli society - is survival. And though I think that Israel is strong overall, and that many people share a purpose in living here, in the historical homeland, as free Jews - there is yet much work to do to have a more harmonious civil life here in the promised land...