By Dr. Marvin Podolnick

At the end of our journey someone asked: "What was your most significant experience in Israel?" My reply: The overall triumph and success of the Jewish State.

We witnessed a small nation that began in a land of rocky soil, swamps, a large desert and surrounded by enemies to become a leader among nations in technology, medical science, agriculture, desalinization, irrigation, education and much more.

I was overwhelmed by the progress made since my last trip 18 years ago. The new and growing skyline of Tel Aviv alone boggled my mind. Excavations along the Western Wall and Masada along with expansion of Yad Vashem and new museums were beyond expectation. The polyglot of peoples absorbed by Israel represents a challenge I can hardly comprehend.

Swarms of tourists comprising a variety of religions, races and nationalities appeared everywhere. An Israeli tourist official revealed that 90 percent of its tourists are not Jewish. Also, fully 70 percent of USA Jewish adults have yet to experience Israel first hand.

Israel has many problems aside from mortal enemies: religious conflicts, the poor and elderly and immigrant absorption and integration. But she faces these squarely and resolutely with admirable determination.

My travels have taken me to many countries but none can match the emotion of pride and joy for our Jewish homeland. "Am Yisroel Chi," a great tradition preserved and expanded.

And where else can you get a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice (my favorite fruit) from a street vendor?

Dr. Marvin Podolnick and his wife, Illeane, live in Margate.