The founding of the State of Israel was, for Jews who witnessed it (even from afar), the most momentous event in their lifetimes. Not only did it restore the Jewish homeland, it created a new image of the Jew — who had been maligned and reviled across the globe and over centuries. We here, in the United States, joined in joy with the new Israelis, and did all we could to help. Some went there and fought in the War of Independence. Some smuggled arms to the fighters. Others collected pennies and dollars in "blue boxes" and bought Israel bonds. Some used any political clout available. Everybody prayed.

Israel’s founding was particularly resonant in light of the Holocaust. The world was so shamed by its inadequate response to the murder and abandonment of so many that the United Nations was prompted to issue the partition resolution.

Israel was — and has continued to be — a place for the ingathering of exiles.

Indeed, in addition to those displaced by the Holocaust, the Arab nations made sure there were exiles, expelling Jews from lands where they had lived and often prospered and contributed to for centuries.

Today, while aliyah has slowed (see our special Israel at 60 section), Israel remains a haven for Jews. It also remains, despite the emerging (and, we stress, alleged) spy scandal, a loyal and strategic ally to the United States.

Israel is "good for the Jews," but also, we believe, for the world. It is a democracy in the midst of dictatorships (some more benign than others). It is also a center of creativity, particularly in science and technology. The early pioneers tilled the land. Today’s Israeli pioneers are toiling at their desks, laboratories, and computers to solve such challenge as water desalination and desertification (keeping land from turning into desert).

Of course, Israel has problems that cannot be solved in a laboratory — although, come to think of it, Israel is a kind of laboratory itself. It is home (albeit contested) to people from all countries and cultures. It is a microcosm of war and peace, of religion versus secularism (and anything in between), of political expertise versus political disarray, of idealism versus cynicism and corruption.

The Israel of the future, we hope, will have dealt with and overcome its external and internal challenges. But this moment, while one of reflection, is greatly to be celebrated.