The Utah state senator from Holladay is one of three U.S. state legislators attending meetings this week of the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians, a new organization formed to fight anti-Semitism and promote interfaith relations. Arent, vice president of the National Association of Jewish Legislators, is among 55 lawmakers from 28 countries - as various as Lithuania, Brazil and South Africa - who have congregated in Israel. They came together for four days of meetings, which include sessions with the country's highest officials.

But a massive stroke suffered by Sharon last week changed everything - the itinerary, the talk and the mood of the country.

"There's a profound sense of sadness," Arent said from her Jerusalem hotel late Monday. "But you see a unity here that I, at least, have not experienced before."

Political differences have been pushed aside, she said. The religious and secular alike are offering up prayers at the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site. And even though she doesn't speak fluent Hebrew, she knows talk everywhere has turned to Sharon and his condition.

"Everyone's becoming a doctor in this country," she said. "Everyone's second-guessing."

Despite the turmoil, the group has heard from the likes of former Prime Ministers Shimon Peres and Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom and President Moshe Katsav. Many speakers have raced off for security meetings, but Arent said their unifying message has been heard.

"All of them emphasized that although this is a difficult time in Israel, this country has an unshakable commitment to democracy that will bring it through this crisis."

jravitz@sltrib.com