We are privileged to be living at a time to witness the miraculous restoration of Jewish sovereignty in our ancestral homeland and the ingathering of our dispersed people from all parts of the globe… writes Michael Kuttner.

The amazing events unfolding before our eyes may seem to many just every day ordinary events but for those who experienced the depths of depravity during the Shoah, Israel’s accomplishments are far from mundane.

For those of us lucky enough to be living here at the cutting edge of history and experiencing the daily fulfillment of Biblical prophesies there can be no greater joy than seeing the land revive and prosper in front of our very eyes.

The 70th Anniversary of restored Jewish independence is an appropriate time to reflect and remember the struggles which culminated in our return from exile. It is also a time to marvel at what has been achieved in such a short space of time and to speculate what the next fifty years may accomplish.

This edition of “on the other hand” is dedicated to the heroes of the past and gives a glimpse of the future. Although some of these videos were produced a few years ago their messages remain eternal.

Watch, enjoy and feel proud.

WHEN BLOWING THE SHOFAR AT THE KOTEL WAS ILLEGAL 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIfLbkx4ZIM

 THE UN VOTE 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrIjzUK0FKg

 VOLUNTEERS FROM MANY COUNTRIES

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxzEGSmgYl4

 GUSH ETZION FALLS 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR3-sczuyZU

 THE BRITISH SHUT THE GATES 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0qviMZ4urg

 ISRAEL AT 70 – RABBI SACKS 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgXurQd8e6s

SEEING THE MIRACLE 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HkaqO1Br8E

 15 CHOIRS FROM AROUND THE WORLD (including Melbourne, Australia)           SING OSEH SHALOM 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FB6JK8uE9s&sns=em

Michael Kuttner is a Jewish New Zealander who for many years was actively involved with various communal organisations connected to Judaism and Israel. He now lives in Israel. 

[This article was originally published on J-Wire and is reproduced here with permission from Michael Kuttner.]