The world is once again in another conflict. There are many questions about this new battle in the Middle East. A member of our community just came back from Israel for the third time since October 7th, 2023, and has a unique perspective to share. This time, Deb Teske of Kasson spent a month there to get a better connection to the place and the people. She stayed in a local Kibbutz on the shores of the Jordan River near the Sea of Galilee for the first two weeks. She spent her time volunteering through the Faithful Galilean ministry. She also visited some local congregations and some of the historical sites. The second two weeks were spent learning some of the history of the land.
While there, Deb shares that she met local residents and immigrants from a number of countries including Russia and India. Deb says that she interacted with ordinary Israelis (Jews, Arabs, Druze, and others) who are just trying to live a peaceful life surrounded by enemies who want to destroy them. When asked ,“Are they filled with fear or hatred?” She says “No. They don't hate their neighbors and in the areas under Israeli control Jews and Arabs live side by side with little issue. They are anxious but they go to the grocery store and to work just like we do. Their children play outside and ride their bikes. The difference is that they need to always be aware of where the closest shelter is because as at any moment (generally with only two to five minutes warning) rockets may rain down on them. This constant heightened awareness is evident yet for some reason they still have hope for a peaceful future. “
When asked why she thinks they have this hope Deb responds with another question: "Could this be because throughout their history they have been persecuted and threatened with extermination and yet they survived? The list of groups that have tried to wipe out the Jewish people is very long. The Bible describes numerous battles attempting to wipe out the Jewish people and history also records these attempts from the Romans to Hitler, to the current Islamic Republic of Iran. Why? Is this part of the miracle of the Jews? What other people group has been hunted, scattered to the ends of the earth, survived extermination camps to come back together and reform a nation after 2000 years? They had a land of swamps and deserts and a people group that was made up of refugees and orphans. And yet, they formed a country after the United Nations voted to recognize the state of Israel and brought the land and the people back to life. The land that was once swamp and desert is now filled with trees and so much produce, they now export $2.2 billion in produce each year. They might argue over where is the best place to buy Shawarma but they come together to serve in the local police force. What I saw in Israel was a society where Jews and Arab worked side by side in a democratic society that welcomed refugees from around the world and protected all equally."
If you would like to hear more of her story she will be sharing in person on Friday March 27th, 2026 at 6 pm at 205 Mantorville Avenue South in Kasson.
