By Michael Kuttner…
When was the last time you received an unsolicited gift from a stranger on public transport?
My guess is that the answer would be, never.
Traveling by bus or train in countries other than Israel normally entails avoiding eye contact and refraining from conversing with fellow passengers.
By contrast, in Israel the opposite is the norm. Lively conversations between complete strangers can be heard and if one is fortunate it is possible to learn someone’s whole personal history by the time your stop is reached. This week we encountered something which can be described as “an only in Israel moment.”
This week we traveled from Jerusalem to Haifa by train. On our return trip we were seated diagonally opposite a man who carried a small olive tree sapling planted in a pot. At one of the intermediate stops before reaching Tel Aviv he prepared to exit the train. Before doing so he approached us and handed over his pot plant explaining that it was a Tu B’Shevat gift from his employer and that he wanted to give it to us as a holiday gift. Wishing us Chag Tu B’Shevat Sameach he shook our hands and exited.
Where else in the world would a complete stranger on public transport speak to you let alone hand over an unsolicited gift while extending a holiday blessing?
Only in Israel indeed where despite difficulties and challenges the Jewish spirit of solidarity and personal warmth prevails.
HEARTWARMING MIRACLE
It is not only the warm interaction between humans which characterizes Israeli life but this also extends to humans’ best friends.
Watch this riveting video of how an IDF front line four legged soldier not only saves lives but is also saved after being wounded in action.
The mitzvah of saving lives, whether human or animal, is what distinguishes Jewish values from the barbarism practiced in those societies dedicated to murdering Jews.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5HiuWCehOc
LET MY PEOPLE GO
Instead of the international community demanding that the hostages kidnapped by Hamas be released unconditionally they prefer to condemn Israel and reward the terrorists.
View this powerful video showing Israelis from all walks of life voicing their ardent plea for their safe return.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYnZRH6Q6QY
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.]
