In actuality, the State of Israel has been a great source of Kiddush Hashem. The blossoming of the desert, the ingathering of the exiles, the great centers of Torah study, and the solid economic base ― what other country achieved so much in its first 50 years? And this on the heels of a devastating Holocaust and crippling blows from Arab enemies.
Unfortunately, Israeli society also has aspects of Chillul Hashem on both sides of the fence. Orthodox Jews sometimes throw things and shout ― and the effect can be devastating.
The Torah says: “You shall surely correct your neighbor, but don't bear a sin because of him” (Vayikra 19:17). This means it is forbidden to correct someone if the result will make matters worse. In other words, it is no mitzvah to protest Shabbat desecration in a way that will create tension and resentment. Actually the bigger mitzvah in that case would be to keep quiet, or find a more pleasant way of expression. Don't allow your Kiddush Hashem to become a Chillul Hashem.
Lofty Jewish Ideals?
On the other side, visitors to Israel are often shocked to find Jews sitting in cafes eating bread on Passover, and even having pork roasts on Yom Kippur. And some of the worst Western vulgarities have become an accepted part of Israeli life. It's all over the media for the world to watch and say, “Such is the People of the Book?!”
Israel is a living workshop where lofty Jewish ideals can become reality. To chase after the lowest elements of Western society is to sink into the grime of history. Is this how we define "something Jewish existing in the world?" Is this the expression of "light unto the nations?" Is this the culmination of 2,000 years of struggle and suffering? Is this what Tzahal soldiers died for? Is this being "free in our land?"
It was not too many years ago that Israeli society still held itself to a higher standard. In the 1960s when British rock legend Cliff Richard performed here, parents were outraged at the negative effect on Jewish children. Shortly thereafter, the Beatles were refused entry into Israel ― on the grounds of being a subversive influence. Today, this seems tame by comparison. And whether one agrees or disagrees with that decision is not the point. The issue is that Israel ― the model of morality for world Jewry, and the model for all humanity ― had taken a stand.
We have built our land so beautifully and have achieved so much. But do we want to succeed like the other nations, if "success" is defined by 80 cable channels and McDonalds? The image of kibbutzniks dancing around the campfire has faded into stadiums thumping with heavy metal music.
Achad HaAm called Israel "the historic center of a roving spiritual idea." The world is watching. And it's G-d's good Name on the line. It's up to us.
