Shmuel Sackett's speech last night

I went to hear Shmuel Sackett (from Manhigut Yehudit - Jewish Leadership) speak at YU last night. The event was organized by Shmuel Sokol from Mission for Israel. At the end of the speech, I spoke for a minute about Kumah, and the important first step of Aliyah. Mr. Sackett made Aliyah 13 years ago, and has been politically active there ever since. His work is having significant impact in the Israeli government. This can be an inpiration to those of us who want to make Aliyah, but don't think we can make a difference there. If you're not familiar with the Manhigut Yehudit organization, please visit their web site. For those of you in Israel, consider attending their upcoming conference in Binyanei Ha'uma, Tuesday, Rosh Hodesh Kislev, November 25th, at 6:30pm.

His message was a positive one. He spoke about the direction that Israel should move in, yet he barely mentioned the Arabs. So often we are so obsessed with current politics that we forget the long-term picture: to be an or lagoyim, a shining light to the world, from our exemplary Jewish society in Israel. That is different from striving to become a nation just like all the others, or striving merely to live in peace. It is a lofty goal, but it is one that is gaining steam in Israel, as people realize that the current alternatives are not working out.