Reflecting on the Past Year

According to Jewish tradition, the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, is the time when humanity is judged for their actions, and therefore it is regarded as a period of time to conduct “Cheshbon Hanefesh,” literally an accounting of one’s soul, interpreted to mean a reflection on one’s actions. This is true in the individual context, as also on a regional level. 

I miss the atmosphere in Israel, when you see such musings in diverse fields of human existence. Israeli radio broadcasts the most successful songs of the year. The commentary programs on television usually recall the political and social highlights of the year. 

In an attempt to bring this atmosphere to the Southwest region where I am privileged to serve as Israel’s senior representative, I would like to share some major recollections from the past year, which stand out in my mind as a source of inspiration for me, and I hope for Jewish Journal readers.      

We, at the consulate, managed to conduct a record level of more than 60 intimate conversations with local elected officials. As COVID-19 stared to abate, we gradually renewed trips to Israel. We had the pleasure of being involved in assisting several high level delegations to Israel, among them Christian missions, Iranian Diaspora groups and elected officials. 

Over the past year, two governors from our region visited Israel with extensive delegations. I will never forget standing on Jerusalem Day with Governor Doug Ducey of Arizona and his delegation, on a rooftop opposite the Western Wall, observing the tens of thousands of youngsters dancing with the flag of Israel in the plaza of the Kotel. I will not forget touring the tunnels of the Kotel with Governor Spencer Cox of Utah, who visited Israel for the first time, with a large 66-strong delegation, including the Senate President, Speaker of the House and the political and economic leadership of Utah. 

In cooperation with the Consul General of Turkey and Azerbaijan, we partnered in organizing an interfaith Iftar dinner, which took place at the residence of the Turkish Consul General. The Consul General of UAE was also present. As we mark two years since the signing of the Abraham Accords, this demonstrates to me once again that religions and ethnic affiliations are not a reason for conflict. We can bridge differences with human contact and understanding. There are the extremists amidst us, who aspire to bring about death and devastation, but Jews, Christians and Muslims, who share our values and our wish for coexistence, can stand together against such hate. Many do stand together. We must stand together. 

The Abraham Accords, between Israel and four Arab states, are a real reason for celebration, these countries have accepted Israel’s extended hand in peace and friendship, and have overcome their rejection of Israel and courageously chosen co-existence and cooperation with Israel. 

We did note with concern that this past year has witnessed a record level of antisemitic manifestations and attempts of delegitimization of the state of Israel. Vile flyers were distributed accusing the Jews of COVID-19, pamphlets with the words “kill Jews” were hung in public spaces and further attempts of BDS were initiated. The L.A. teachers union had to battle an attempt to engage in an Israel boycott. 

Yet, we should also draw inspiration from the many friends who stood up against these poisonous manifestations of hatred, and thwarted many BDS antisemitic plans. I can confidently state that there is strong bipartisan support for Israel. There are pockets of individuals, even in Congress, who publicly speak out against the Israeli-US relationship, but they are a minority. Polls clearly show that the vast majority of the population in the US support this alliance due to a keen understanding of the values we share. Instead of focusing on the forces of darkness, which do exist, we should draw comfort and inspiration from the fact that there are so many positive voices willing to confront those forces. Shana Tova!

Hillel Newman is the Consul General of The Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles.