Home of the Brave

Moshele was a new immigrant to the United States of America ; after much hardship in his native Poland , he had arrived to the country of hope. When he went into immigration office, the official asked him, “Will you support the constitution of the United States ?”
Moshele gets uncomfortable, and he answers, “Well, I will try, but I first I have to find a job to support my family…”
* * *
Most of Jewish history is filled with tales of our ancestors being oppressed by their governments and kings. Starting from Abraham being thrown into the fiery pit as punishment for destroying his father’s idols, down to Egypt, Babylon and Rome , then from France to Spain and Russia to Germany , the list goes on and on and on.
Rarely have we had a government which left us alone, and even then it was for selfish purposes, i.e. the Jewish taxes and loyalty. To be confined to a ghetto and taxed heavily was a blessing for the experienced sufferers – “at least they left our bodies alone…”
In 1776, however, a new country was born, a country which established for posterity in her Declaration of Independence: ” We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Finally, there was a people who appreciated the right of freedom for all humans, and granted it to millions of oppressed immigrants who would join together to build the super power of the free world.
Finally, a people who had the belief, understanding and conviction to declare on their currency the words “In G-d we Trust”. This seemingly simple fact symbolizes how even mundane activities, business and living are permeated with trust in the Almighty.
And five years ago, this pillar of freedom and trust was attacked and tested by the old world, by the few who refuse to acknowledge the freedom that is every creature’s right. In the name of religion and G-d, they caused death and destruction to the country which grants freedom of (not from) religion.
They tested us – but we prevailed. They hurt us – but we recovered, and emerged as a healthier nation than we had been before. They challenged our faith, yet our faith is stronger then ever. They thought that our pride in freedom would diminish, yet they dragged the world into a global war on terror – war for freedom.
I’m proud of my country; it proved itself. Now I look toward my homeland, Israel , hoping that they will learn that same lesson, praying for the day when it will be governed by true and honest individuals who will fight for justice and equality.
Is that ever going to happen? Not in my lifetime, from the way things look. And so I turn to the Almighty and beg: Please, send us Moshiach and usher in a time of true freedom and peace. After almost 5767 years, the time has come!