26 January 2024
Question
I'm in a tricky situation. We were discussing Australia Day at work, and someone asked me, if Israel was playing Australia in soccer, who would you want to win? I said Israel. They said I am not a patriotic Australian. I got stuck on that and didn't know what to say. I know it isn't true as I am very proudly Australian, but what should I respond?
Answer
Supporting Israel in a soccer match against Australia is the most Australian thing to do. We are a multicultural society. Being true to your own identity is what Australian culture is all about. A proud Jew expressing love for our ancestral homeland is being loyal to the values of Australia.
But if you want to be loyal to the values of Judaism, you have to support Australia too. The ancient prophet Jeremiah, foreseeing a time when Jews will be scattered amongst the nations of the world, advised us to "Seek out the welfare of the city to which I have exiled you, and pray to G-d on its behalf, for in its prosperity you shall prosper." The Jewish religion expects us to be loyal citizens of our home country.
So the Jewish perspective is clear. You can support Israel in that soccer match, and be happy if Israel wins the game. As long as you aren't happy that Australia lost. Because to be a good Jew, you need to be a good Australian. And to be a good Australian, you need to be a good Jew.
Source
Jeremiah 29:7