On the other hand
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.
Travelling 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 that can be described as “an only-in-Israel moment.”
This week, we travelled 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.
A gift for Michael
HEARTWARMING MIRACLE
It is not only the warm interaction between humans which characterises 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 practised in those societies dedicated to murdering Jews.
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.
