Independence Day in Israel

As with everything, I was not sure what to expect from the 4th of July, Independence Day, in Jerusalem, Israel.  Even though we were having an HUC 4th of July picnic, my expectations were low.  Boy was I wrong.  In fact, there could not have been a more authentic Independence experience than that which was had in Liberty Bell Garden park, just a few blocks from my apartment.

In addition to our HUC group Independence celebration, several Islamic families were enjoying an evening in the park, also grilling and enjoying picnic dinners.  After our traditional American grilling was well underway with hot dogs, burgers (meat and veggie!), and some really excellent marinated chicken, something truly special happened that was the perfect expression and use of hard fought freedom.  As the picnic plates were put down and the frisbee and football taken up any difference between a group of mostly American reform Jews and our Islamic picnic neighbors melted away.  The Islamic children became interested in our American football.  After a while, most of the children were passing our football around with us and we kicking their soccer ball around with them.  And the adults joined us as well.  We were all laughing and calling each other out by name before passing the ball.

Although this by itself is a wonderful experience of reaching out from both sides with open and unassuming arms, what makes this so fitting for Independence Day?  Because in order to have independence, we are dependent upon others to respect that as human beings we seek the same things: to be safe and secure among those around us, to be free to live our lives as we see fit, to be happy and free to try to ensure our children's happiness.

Today in Liberty Bell Garden, it was obvious that we were seeking the same things as our fellow picnicers.  We probably go about it in different ways in our everyday lives and might think about it differently as we read, listen or watch the news, but at the heart of it, we are all made the same, b'tzelem Elohim, in God's Image.

When Emil left with his family, he handed me the football I had brought and shook my hand.  I did not feel anything in that hand shake other than a hand extended in friendship on common ground.

" . . . all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness . . . "