I'm proud to be a Jew living in the Jewish State...

One of the main purposes, according to traditional Jewish teaching, for there being a Jewish State in the Land of Israel is to enable the Jewish People to serve as an Or LaGoyim - A light unto the nations, by creating an ideal society within the Jewish State, which will help to perfect the world under the Kingdom of G-d - something which is not possible on the national. universal level so long as Jews remain scattered in the Exile.

Unfortunately, during challenging times, it is difficult to see if we, the Jewish People in the Jewish State, are truly fulfilling our Divine mandate.

Thankfully, today, the Jewish State and People got it right.

Kenya asks Israel to train rescue crews

Kenya has requested Israel's assistance to train and set up a rescue-and-relief team similar to the IDF's Home Front Command, Lt. Col. Yishai Malka, head of the command's operation division said...

Since arriving in Nairobi on Tuesday morning to assist in the rescue of workers trapped beneath the rubble of a five storied building that collapsed on Monday, Home Front Command personnel have pulled out two survivors and seven bodies...

The entire delegation has received a warm reception from the locals as well as the local Jewish community, Malkah said. "Everyone has been extremely friendly and helpful, and we have enjoyed their full cooperation."

This is in addition to these Israeli humanitarian relief efforts around the world. (All in all, the State of Israel has provided humanitarian aid to 140 countries):

Israeli Medical Aid to Flood Victims in Central America

Israeli Aid to Kosovo Refugees

Israel Sends Emergency Aid to Ethiopia

Israeli Aid to Earthquake Victims in El Salvador - January-February 2001

Israeli Aid for Turkish Earthquake Victims

Israeli Aid to Earthquake Victims in India - January 2001

Israel aids Hurricane Katrina victims

Israeli Aid Group Saves Lives of Five Iraqi Children

Pakistan accepts relief aid from Israel

Israel Offers Humanitarian Aid to Iranian Earthquake Victims

I can't think of any better example of what it means for the Jewish People & State to act as a "Light unto the Nations" and to sanctify G-d's name in the eyes of the world.

It's time like these that remind me of how fortunate I am to be a member of the Jewish People, and to be living in the Jewish State.

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