I was named for my father’s father Abram Orlow. This week I came across a poem that he published when he was 18. It is very meaningful to me in that I know very little about him. My grandfather died when my father was just thirteen. It seemed fitting to share this today for Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel Independence Day. Enjoy.
Awake, Arise, Thy Goluth Is No More by Abram Orlow
O Palestine! thou land of Maccabees of old,
Where once the streams with milk and honey flowed,
Canst thou see how a new and wondrous light
That drives away your tears and brings delight?
Seest thou thine legions as of old,
Bedecked with fighting splendor, brave and bold,
Fighting again for thine own freedom’s sake?
So of thee once again a home for a nation’s make.
Seest thou the hand of Powers great?
Seest thou the hand of Victory’s fate?
Once more beknighting thee and raise thee from the dust,
And crown thee ” Jewish Homeland.” as soon the nations must
Seest thou thy people answer Zion’s call
And flock unto thy standard, one and all?
Awake! Arise! Thy Goluth is no more!
Aye, soon thou thou’lt be the Palestine of yore
– The Jewish World January 11, 1918
Said to Myself 
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