Today AFU-WOFI visited Gush Etzion and met with Rabbi Michael Unterberg, who recently fulfilled his lifelong dream of making Aliya. He and his family currently reside in Efrat, which is part of the Gush bloc. Rabbi Unterberg explained that he chose this community, in part, because of the area’s history. Thousands of years ago, David was a shepherd in the fields that surround his home.
Efrat is a Jewish city surrounded by Arab cities. The gas station and supermarket Rabbi Unterberg goes to are patronized by approximately equal numbers of Arabs and Jews and have equal numbers of Jewish and Arab employees. Efrat, which is home to all denominations of Jews, would never be given away in a peace agreement, claims the rabbi, because its large Jewish population is an established geo-political fact.
Interview with Rabbi Unterberg:
Q. Why do you love living in Efrat?
A. Besides the religious significance, historically the city was started before the country was officially declared independent. Also, I see how the Arabs and Israelis can get along here and I see hope for future peace.
Q. Give us a personal example of Arab and Israeli cooperation.
A. Once, during a rocket attack, I was in a supermarket. The siren went off and the Arabs who worked there led us to their bomb shelter. Thankfully, no one was harmed by that rocket. On a lighter note, the Jews in the shelter felt the need to daven mincha around 2:00. It was a “super cool” moment to daven the afternoon service in such a multi-cultural setting. Evidently the Arab co-residents of the bomb shelter took it all in stride.
Q. What is your favorite place in Israel?
A. Jerusalem. No question. I connect to the holiness of the city.