Israel has an incredible heart for meeting the needs of their own people, the citizens of their neighboring countries, and the world.

Much of this desire to help mankind comes from the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, healing the world, of making the world a better place. Three examples of this come from the Israeli military, from the Israeli medical community, and from Israeli technology.

On January 12, 2010 a massive, devastating earthquake struck Haiti, leaving more than 200,000 people dead and 400,000 more injured and homeless. The Kedem Battalion from the Israel Defense Forces, a unit designed to assist those affected by disasters, came to the aid of Haiti within hours of the earthquake. They set up their field hospital with advanced medical equipment, including intensive care units, operating rooms, delivery rooms, and more. The search and rescue teams immediately began searching for survivors through the rubble of the quake. One officer tells of a survivor they found. He asked upon their calling out, “Where are you from?” “Israel,” came the reply. The Haitian man replied, “You mean you came half way around the world, just to save me?” Another incident from this rescue shows the impact of this unit. A woman named her son Israel, after the aid and care she received at the field hospital. This experience repeated itself recently in the aftermath of an earthquake in the Philippines when the Israeli unit set up their field hospital. A Filipino woman named her newborn son Israel, in honor of the care she received from the Kedem Battalion. This unit is ready to go anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice to aid those affected by a disaster of any kind, whether from a natural disaster or a military attack. A wonderful example of Israel’s heart is its desire to help those in need.

The Syrian civil war has ravaged the nation and left about 150,000 dead. Israel has opened its heart to those wounded and injured in the fighting by treating 700 Syrians. Rambam Hospital in Haifa has treated some of those injured Syrian citizens, assisting them in their need. If anyone practices the concept of “loving your neighbor as yourself, and loving your enemy,” Israel does. Treating these affected Syrians that come to them, Nahariya Hospital in northern Israel has cared for more than 200 Syrian victims of the conflict. Concerning this care, Dr. Tsvi Sheleg stated, “We don’t care where he’s from, what he’s done, where he is going. He’s wounded. He needs help. That’s our mission. That’s our goal. That’s what we do for a living. That’s what we do for our heart.” Additionally, Israel regularly aids Palestinian children and citizens with medical care in Israeli hospitals, at no cost to them.

Israeli technology has led to amazing innovations we use today. For example, Israelis developed the Pentium processor, the cell phone, email, voicemail, and a myriad of other devices. Called the Start Up Nation, Israel has significant international vocal support for their technological abilities. Consider what renowned investor Warren Buffett says of Israeli technology: “What makes Israel a technological superpower? Is it the Jewish ability to challenge ideas, to question and think outside the box? The pioneer spirit and the willingness to take risks?…When you’re looking for brains, for energy, for integrity, it’s the only stop you need to make in the Middle East.”

Former Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad once said, “I can envision a day with a world without Israel.” If that day would ever happen, the world would lose its heart. Because Israel serves the world, including their enemies, expecting nothing in return. It’s truly the Little Country with the Big Heart.

Rev. Tim Munger