Independence Day approaches
Independence Day approachesIsrael news photo: Flash 90

This week, Judy contacts a selection of previously interviewed guests and asks them the following three questions: What do you love about Israel? What is your birthday wish for the State of Israel? What is your message to the listeners?

An eclectic group of Olim, from musician Menachem Herman to kidney donor Judy Singer. to former Gush Katif resident Anita Tucker, to 77-year-old former pastor Frank Mecklenburg, share their thoughts and hopes about their homeland.

One common thread that runs through many of the answers is that Israel is a place where a Jew feels at home. A wish for Israel's birthday that was repeated was that the strong sense of unity and connectedness that is felt during national emergencies such as war should be tangible all year long. A message to the listeners that a few guests reiterated was that seeing the good in others and doing good deeds and acts of kindness is what is needed for peace.

Tune in to find out who gave the following answers: "The best thing about Israel is its traffic jams", "What I love best about Israel is hiking the Israel Trail", "My wish for Israel is that it annex Judea and Samaria", "What I love about Israel is the Israeli flag", "One great thing about Israel is the lack of personal space", and "The best thing about living in Israel is that I'm living in the past and in the future at the same time".

Leave your birthday wishes in the comments!

Click here to download the podcast