This is why I love Israel and always have. It is because Israel will never surrender to its enemies’ hatred.

Israel is tiny. If you live in Massachusetts, as I did when I traveled there two decades ago, imagine Rhode Island being in the hands of those who are committed to destruction, sending rockets over your common border. If you live in Los Angeles, as I do now, imagine San Diego being not only a different state but also a committed enemy whose official government has long been listed as a terrorist organization.

When I was younger, New Year's was a time fraught with frantic uncertainty revolving around the seemingly critical questions of whether I would have a date and-or something to do. Having nothing to do on New Year's Eve and-or no one to do it with seemed a fate worse than death, or close.

For some years, the problems were solved by being married and being invited to a fancy and fashionable party in Washington every year. Now, the problems are solved by not being problems anymore.