The Leader

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May marks the anniversary of Israel's declaration of independence as a sovereign state.

I always wear my Campus Organization for Israel (COFI) button on my backpack, so when I got on a crowded bus a few weeks ago and a woman sat down next to me, I didn't think anything of it.

Then she asked me if I was in a group that supported Israel. I replied that yes, I was a member of COFI. She proceeded to reach into one of her bags and produce a roll of quarters. She asked me to pass it along to help my group, because she knows that they are trying to achieve peace "over there."

This woman did not appear rich. I don't know if she was Jewish, and as soon as she finished speaking, she got up and found an empty seat. I was stunned and fascinated by her actions, and questions swirled in my brain.

What is it about this tiny country hardly the size of New Jersey that elicits this sort of emotion? That causes a person to hand over her laundry money to a complete stranger on the bus? That draws a response, whether positive or negative, from just about everybody?

Bible stories aside, how did Israel begin?

On May 14, 1948, under the leadership of David Ben-Gurion, the modern state of Israel declared its independence. This was followed by the War of Independence, as Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq attacked Israel a day after its declaration.

Though greatly outnumbered, Israel's fledgling forces defended their homeland and, after each battle, the Israeli army withdrew from all captured areas.

Strife and unrest continues in the Middle East to this day, and Israel has had to struggle constantly to remain and be safe. Yet somehow, this little state has distinguished itself in technological, humanitarian and democratic accomplishments.

* The modern cell phone was developed by Israelis in Motorola's largest development center, which is in Israel.

* Voicemail and AOL Instant Messenger technology were developed in Israel.

* Golda Meir, elected prime minister of Israel in 1969, was the world's second elected female leader in modern times.

* Israel contributed to health care and hospitals in Mauritania, Ukraine, Turkey and the Gaza Strip.

* Israel has taken in refugees from Ethiopia, the former Soviet Union and Southeast Asia.

* Israel allows religious expression of all faiths. It contains holy sites for Christianity, Islam, Judaism and the Bahai faith.

* The freest press in the Middle East is in Israel.

* The highest standards of living in the Middle East are in Israel.

COFI and the Black Student Union will celebrate Israel's birthday May 2-4 in Spaights Plaza. Drop by for food, prizes, music and good old fashioned birthday fun.

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