In May 1948, the world recognized the State of Israel and a modern miracle was created. After centuries of being scattered around the world, the Jewish people were finally given back their homeland. Faithful to tradition and their heritage, the Jews in Diaspora had carried with them the ancient promises that God made. The story of the Jewish people is one of the re-gathering of lives, the restoration of land and the survival of spirit. Israel is the phoenix of humanity rising again out of the dark ashes of world history.
At one time, the window frames in this exhibit were part of the many military bunkers in the Golan Heights as a result of the Seven Day War. They provide the viewpoint of the historical enemy as he looks out onto the countryside where the Jewish people have returned after thousands of years of exile. Today, we feel the heartbreak which is real on both sides of the windows. How many times was the soldier looking out at the children playing below reminded of his own? Where is the individual heart positioned in a world where hatred and indoctrination take aim at innocence and the beauty of everyday life?
Each window frame in this exhibit is a powerful backdrop for the question, what is to happen to the Jewish people and to the State of Israel? The windows reveal how the soldier and his weapon and the child playing in the field are really part of the same story, challenged by history and biblical purpose to live side by side. These pieces of rusted metal now house the promise of restoration and the hope of the world: a collective viewpoint of peace.
Step into the gorgeous landscape, alive with color and life and see Israel as you have never before.
