In May 1939, on the eve of World War II, the British government issued its infamous White Paper, a policy proclamation severely restricting Jewish immigration to Palestine. At the time of the greatest need for a safe haven, the door to the homeland promised by the Balfour Declaration was all but slammed shut.

Less than four months later, hostilities began. Asked how he could reconcile the prosecution of the war against Hitler with a British policy that put millions of Jews in danger, David Ben-Gurion asserted: “We will fight the war as if there is no White Paper. And we will fight the White Paper as if there is no war.”

For 85 years, Ben-Gurion’s words have stood out as bold and sober wisdom for achieving an almost impossible balance in a uniquely perilous time.

But in hindsight it strikes me that the judgment was premature. The balance was, indeed, torturous, but the time was anything but unique. Throughout its history, Israel has repeatedly fought existential wars, during which it has not only defended its people and territory but also sought to build an advanced society that is—in the words of the Prophet Isaiah—a light unto the nations.

And it has largely succeeded.

If supporting Britain while opposing British policy seems like the definition of cross-purposes, just look at the Jewish homeland that emerged: A hyper-democratic society with vigorous dissent and yet a unified sense of purpose that has held together. Most people and many spaces in Israel have dual roles. Lawyers and laborers, schoolteachers and shopkeepers, double as soldiers. Communal centers and storage facilities are permanently equipped to serve as shelters. Every institution and every family have backup plans. Is there another nation that can match Israel for readiness?

Hadassah, of course, is an integral part of Israel’s beating heart. Our hospitals are prepared for any emergency, but we are also part of the larger picture of the nation’s everyday striving. Our world-class treatment and cutting-edge research play critical roles in war and peace. On the same day we make headlines caring for wounded soldiers, we may also earn recognition for medical or educational achievements that have applications and implications for people around the world.

Most of you know of the Hadassah Medical Organization’s response to Israel’s multifront war, including how we accelerated the opening of our Gandel Rehabilitation Center on Mount Scopus and the renovated Round Building on our Ein Kerem campus, how Hadassah dentists labored to identify the mutilated bodies of victims of the October 7 terror attacks, how our Youth Aliyah villages used their excess capacity to take in people evacuated from the Gaza and Lebanese border areas—among other examples.

At the same time, as if peace reigned, we have been serving and healing in ways that strengthen and advance a nation and all humanity. Over the decades, HMO has written chapters in fields as diverse as heart disease, stem-cell research and in vitro fertilization; in the battles against multiple sclerosis and macular degeneration; and in the march of technology. Hadassah hospitals are also an example of peace, where doctors, nurses, patients and families of all religious and ethnic backgrounds interact in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.

In just the past few weeks, HMO has initiated the first clinical trials for treatment of recurrent lung cancer using an innovative new alpha-radiation therapy; begun pioneering tests to use a 100-year-old tuberculosis vaccine in the fight against Alzheimer’s; and introduced an advanced technology for removing aggressive tumors.

As we kindle the Hanukkah candles this year, I am more acutely aware than ever of the power of miracles and the role we all play in bringing forth the wonders of our age. For all those who see it, and even for those who can’t, let us continue to shine our light to the nations.

Happy Hanukkah to all!