The timeline to the Declaration of the Jewish State of Israel is a tale that flows from Herzl to Churchill, from Lloyd George to Harry Truman.

Crafting the Balfour Declaration was an unprecedented exercise in balancing the Zionist dream with the political calculations of the British Empire. It wasn’t easy but the result changed history

Far from being the death-knell of Israeli democracy, the proposed “Jewish State” legislation should be seen as a fulfillment of Israel’s democratic tradition, and a continuation of the international events that give the country legitimacy—even if it never passes.

Every time I traveled to Israel, I felt comfortable as if I was visiting an old friend. There was never a time when my love for Israel waned or deterred me from wanting to be there. I honestly believe it’s because every Israeli takes care of each other, you always hear how people rush to aid in every crisis. It’s a place you feel safe despite everything because you can always rely on the kindness of strangers.

Although in my upbringing Israel was very apparent, in reality, Israel was a far away concept and country that I did not really connect to. I sang songs about Israel, visited Israel, spoke about Israel on holidays and learned history about Israel. But I did not have a deep connection to land or the people of Israel.

I have always had a strong connection to Israel and Judaism, but in the recent years my love for these two things changed as I formed my own opinions. The definition of Judaism, to me has become family, friendship, and mitzvot. Finding myself in Judaism has pushed me out of my comfort zone but has molded me into the person I am today.