The connection of the Jewish People to their homeland is without parallel in the history of nations. Despite being physically separated from Eretz Yisrael for close to two millennia Jews have maintained a mystical bond with their Promised Land, praying for a massive return and even making successful individual endeavors to come back.

What is the secret of this bond?

Our Patriarch Avraham was subjected to ten trials of his faith. One of the purposes of these trials, whose outcome was certainly known by the Omniscient Creator, was to develop in Avraham those strengths which he could pass through the genes to all of his descendants. By inflicting on Avraham a famine which would force him to abandon Eretz Yisrael for Egypt so soon after entering the Land promised to him, Heaven instilled in him a powerful longing to return at the first opportunity, which he indeed did.

We are the heirs of that same longing which makes Israel a part of us forever.

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