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עמוד:110
Longing on n for the Land of Israel “ I noticed , ” Hadas replied with a smile . “ To tell you the truth , I surprised myself ... I knew I’d be excited , but I didn’t know quite how much ! ” “ Maybe it’s because after learning so much about Israel , now you’re actually here , seeing it with your very own eyes ... and also maybe because after all this writing , we have finally met ! ” “ Maybe , ” laughed Jonathan , “ but I think there’s more to it . I’m probably over emotional , but every year on Passover , we end the Seder with the words , ‘ Next year in Jerusalem . ’ My grandparents and my grandparents’ grandparents said those same words and now , here I am , in Jerusalem !” “ That makes sense , ” said Hadas . “ It’s strange ... I live here so it’s no big deal for me , but I think I get what you’re saying . ” “ Guess what my father’s screen saver is ? A picture of the Old City ! When we got here , I suddenly realized that this was the real thing . I was actually looking at Jerusalem through the window ! But don’t worry , I’ve calmed down a bit now . Are you ready for the present I brought you ? ” An expectant smile lit up Hadas's face . Dreaming of the Land of Israel For most of Jewish history , the vast majority of the Jewish people lived outside the Land of Israel . Many Jews were exiled by the Roman army after the destruction of the Second Temple , in the year 70 C . E . Many more left during the following years due to the widespread poverty and the Romans’ hostile attitude . However , even after settling in other countries , the Jews never stopped longing for the Land of Israel . Ephraim Moshe Lilien , Etching ( 1902 )
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