By Michael Kuttner…
Who would have believed this? The UN world happiness report for 2024 has just been issued and Israel appears as the fifth happiest.
The twenty happiest countries listed are: Finland – Denmark – Iceland – Sweden – Israel – Netherlands – Norway – Luxembourg – Switzerland – Australia – New Zealand – Costa Rica – Kuwait – Austria – Canada – Belgium – Ireland – Czechia – Lithuania – UK.
Notably absent from the top twenty is the USA.
Despite constant media negativity about social tensions, reality is different as exemplified by the following heartwarming experience recounted by a Jewish mother.
“The IDF 401st Brigade was taking a break from combat and on a short vacation near Gaza.
Two soldiers came to the supermarket in Ashkelon to buy a large amount of food for a graduation party later that night. And then these two young soldiers discovered that the voucher the battalion commander had given them couldn’t be used at this particular chain of supermarkets.
There they were, with three overflowing shopping carts, confused…embarrassed…knowing the whole battalion was waiting for them.
Right away I asked the head cashier to announce what was happening to all the customers. Within three minutes, tons of people holding credit cards and cash lined up to pay the entire bill.
The soldiers flew back to their battalion, deeply moved and overjoyed.”
It is this sort of solidarity which makes Israel top of any chart.
A TIMELY MESSAGE
An American singer, song writer and pianist stands with Israel and the Jewish People.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nog17cqxilM
AN EERIE CONNECTION
The leader of Persia at the time of the Purim episode had advisers who supported Haman’s bias against the Jews.
Can there be a connection with today’s situation?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCt19j_gldI
ISRAEL CALLING
Is it time to come home and be part of Jewish destiny this Purim?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmG9S25QtFA
BRAZILIAN SOLIDARITY
Brazil’s current President may not like Israel but two million of his citizens support the Jewish State.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8O_FVdgToXQ
PURIM RAPPER
A special message timed for Purim and all those who wish Jews harm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqhaNDUcgRs
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.]
