The Jews without their homeland were never safe. Each morning, afternoon, and evening they prayed the words, “next year in Jerusalem” — a longing cry for salvation — a return to their homeland, the land of Israel. They were exiled from the land of Israel for more than 2,000 years since the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. Yet, despite the horrific sacrifice of their exile, they kept faith, tradition, and knowledge. The sacred texts, the Torah, which forms the foundation of their religious identity was transmitted from one generation to the next — a truly remarkable achievement considering the slaughter, uncertainty and persecution they experienced.