Rabbi Niles E. Goldstein is the spiritual leader of the New Shul, and author on over half-a-dozen books, including Gonzo Judaism, and God at the Edge. He blogs at newshulblog.blogspot.com

As we near the 60th anniversary of its momentous founding, the State of Israel finds itself in a “pincer” situation. Hamas is expanding its arsenal and influence in Gaza to the south, and Hezbollah is actively doing the same thing in Lebanon to the north. Iran is helping both of them to achieve these aims. In the meantime, Israel isn’t helping matters by constructing new settlements in the West Bank, an act seen from the perspective of the Palestinians as a provocation.

How do we celebrate Israel’s 60th birthday in the face of these dire threats, and this state of insecurity? How do we rejoice when Israel’s current administration implements policies that so many of us take issue with? I am having troubling this year tapping into the appropriate emotions. Are we farther away from peace than ever? Or will geo-political necessity force it upon the region?