Growing up in North London in a family of Holocaust survivors, I often felt the weight of the trauma from the Second World War. While time is often the best healer, the pain from the war never seemed to go, lest we forget what happened in that dark period of history. And so the reminders of The Shoah were never far away when we visited Israel for family holidays. And when I eventually moved there with my family, it never escaped me that modern day Israel was built from the ashes of one of the greatest massacres in human history. Whilst I have often battled with many of the controversial issues in Israel, for me, Israel is a beacon of light for the Jewish Diaspora and a symbol of democracy in a region where democracy is scarce. Israel is not perfect by any means (what country is?), but it exudes energy, and its colourful and vibrant atmosphere is infectious. It cannot be refuted that the Start-Up Nation is one of the most exciting national narratives of the twentieth century.

We must remember how and why Israel was created.

I am still reeling from the October 7th attacks in Southern Israel, the horror that ensued, mirroring the harrowing pogroms of nineteenth and early twentieth century Europe. It has also struck me how these attacks have reopened wounds from the war, atrocities we hoped we were safe from in Israel. As the war escalates, it is heartbreakingly evident that those who suffer the most are the innocent civilians of Israel and Gaza. However, as Israel is being attacked from both the north and the south, it seems we are at a pivotal moment in Israel’s history; we must remember how and why Israel was created and stand up for its very existence. This does not mean ignoring the plight of many innocent Palestinians living in Gaza and the desperate need for a long-term and meaningful peace, but Israel cannot be cowed into submission by a group whose objectives are to destroy Israel and kill Jews.

It has only been seventy-five years since the war, but historical memory is long. I am buoyed by the amount of support Israel has received over the last month from some groups, including from the UK Government, but at the same time I am also shocked by those who have stood by silently, some even denying Israel’s right to defend herself. Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised, though.

For those of us who believe in Israel’s right to exist as a beacon of democracy in the Middle East, as a home for Jews displaced by the war, an investment in Israel Bonds can be used to demonstrate support for Israel in these dark days. I have faith that Israel will rise up stronger and more united than ever before, but in her hour of need, consider supporting the state with the purchase of a bond. Israel and its people will be grateful.