The 11th century Jewish poet, Judah Halevi—living in Spain—expressed his yearning for the ancient land of Israel, writing: “My heart is in the East, and I in the uttermost West.”

For as long as I can remember, a piece of me has been in the East. I love the land of Israel and her people. I have visited 30+ times. Walking the ancient streets of Jerusalem, the modern thoroughfares of Tel Aviv, or the hilly roads of Haifa I feel that I have arrived at my second home, my Jewish home.

I love Israel, but now feel that something is amiss. I see more and more liberal American Jews, the vast majority of the American Jewish community, finding it harder to defend the actions of the Jewish state. They are questioning whether they have a place—emotional or physical—in a Jewish homeland that seemingly rejects them.

Recently it seems even worse. A new “Nation State Law” was passed in July to establish Israel’s Jewish national values in law. Critics say what is omitted is as significant as what is included: the words “democracy” and “equality.”

Then, the Knesset expanded eligibility for state-supported surrogacy to include single women but exclude single men and gay couples, prioritizing coalition politics over people’s lives.

Finally, Conservative Rabbi Dov Haiyun was taken from his Haifa home and detained for performing weddings outside the auspices of the state-run Chief Rabbinate, something unacceptable in the homeland of all Jews.

I will continue to visit Israel as often as I can and fight those who call for her destruction. I will also do all I can to build a liberal Jewish community, an alternative to an increasingly dictatorial Chief Rabbinate. Visit ARZA to learn more about the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism.