The Merits of the Jewish Nation - Jews Helping Jews

A family member who was stranded in London wrote of the unbelievable assistance that she received from the Jews of Luton, England. Her story delighted and inspired me.

The Merits of the Jewish Nation
By: Lenni Golan

For years, I pondered why the Gentiles seem to hate us, the Jews, so much. Why do they envy us? Why are they intimidated by us? And, above all, why, time and again, do they wish to annihilate us?
I wish to share a recent episode that I experienced that shed substantial light upon this topic and answered many of my questions.

My husband, seven-month-old son, and I traveled to England to tour the country. We spent fun-filled days sight-seeing and enjoying the world-famous attractions that London has to offer. But, eventually, it was time to return home to Israel.

We packed our belongings and arrived at the Luton airport at precisely 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2010. It was only after arriving at the airport that we discovered that a volcano had erupted, and that all flights were temporarily canceled.

Our El-Al flight was postponed to 11:30 p.m. earliest, and there was a chance that it would not take off at all.
Further inquiries revealed that our El-Al flight would certainly not be departing until the following day, Friday, and perhaps not until the day after that, which of course, was Shabbos. We were totally at a loss, unsure of what to do or where to go…
With no alternatives, we decided to stay where we were—right in the airport—until we had a better idea.

In the meanwhile, a young man, who, like us, had been scheduled to be on our flight and was currently waiting aimlessly in the airport, gave us the number of a Gemach. (I wish I could recall its name in order to give credit where credit is due!) In any case, the Gemach sent a special taxi to the airport, with a generous package of baby formula, sandwiches, cookies, cakes, and drinks—everything we could ask for!

In sudden epiphany, I realized that no Gentile, anywhere in the world, benefited from such help and generosity—and for free! Which nation other than the Jews so gladly and willingly exerts effort and resources to help a stranger, just because he shares the same heritage? It is certainly this inspiring unity and willingness to share that arouses the envy of all the nations.

If you think that my story ends here, you’re mistaken.

In the meanwhile, the situation at the airport had not improved; and later that evening, we were officially informed that the El-Al flight to Tel Aviv was canceled. Exhausted from our ordeal, we headed for a motel to spend the night. The next morning, still with no flight, we realized that we would be spending Shabbos in the hotel—with no kosher food.

Someone advised us to contact the local Chabad House on Montrose Avenue, Luton LU31HW. We called the number and were answered by a woman who introduced herself as Rivka. (I will forever think of her as Rivka the Matriarch!)

After describing our circumstances, Rivka promptly invited us for Shabbos. When we declined, she pleaded again and again, and finally compromised by sending us a large box packed with delicious Shabbos food—chicken, rice, pasta, salads, cakes, challah and rolls, Kiddush wine, Shabbos candles, paper goods, and baby wipes.

On Sunday morning, Rivka called us at the hotel and inquired if we needed anything else—food or other provisions. Several hours later, her husband called and asked if he could drive to the hotel to pick us up and take us to their home for dinner.

Today, Monday, March 19, 2010, Rivka and her husband once again sent us a generous package of baby formula, baby wipes, food, and other provisions to our hotel.

Tell me the truth, dear readers, can this story fail to stir envy in the heart of others? Such generous assistance, such loving care and sincere desire to help, is only drawn from a Jewish heart and extended to fellow Jews!

I fervently hope that we’ll be back in Israel by the time next Shabbos rolls around. However, if we remain stranded here for a second Shabbos, I’m comforted knowing that we are in wonderful, loving hands.

My husband, child, and I are greatly indebted to this wonderful Chabad family, and we request that our story be disseminated to the public, as our token expression of appreciation to them!