Page 50 - HaMizrachi Yom HaAtzmaut AUS 2021

THE PEOPLE AND THE LAND ISRAEL INSIGHT

David M. Weinberg

Truly at Home

om HaAtzmaut is an opportu- which can be heard in popular music attachment to Yerushalayim. It explains
nity to reflect on the meaning of based on traditional prayer, seen in out- why Israeli leaders sometimes stub-
Y“home” in grand historical per- door kabbalat Shabbat celebrations in bornly refuse to accept rational calcu-
spective; to assess the modern Jewish, public entertainment spaces, and felt lations of diplomatic cost/benefit that
Zionist and democratic home in the in all-night Torah study sessions on are politely or impolitely impressed on
State of Israel. That perspective inevi- Shavuot – even in Tel Aviv. them by allies. It explains why Israe-
tably begins with the fact that, until 73 According to the Central Bureau of Sta- lis can shake off the bleak and sinister
years ago and for the last 2,000 years, tistics, 80% of secular Israelis “believe prognostications sometimes advanced
the Jewish people had no national in the G-d of Israel.” Eighty percent! In by both friends and enemies. It explains
home. Instead, it suffered Diaspora, my view, that means that 80% (of the why those who consider history only
dispersion, degradation and disaffili- 40% of Israelis who define themselves in terms of national politics and inter-
ation, even near-extermination. Alas, as secular) are not truly secular. They national relations underestimate or
attempts to annihilate the Jewish people believe in the G-d of Avraham, Yitzchak misjudge Israel. They apply temporal
in Israel and to persecute them abroad and Ya’akov. They believe in Divine yardsticks of measurement to Israel
continue apace, but the People of Israel Providence over the Jewish people and but fail to fathom the processes at work
are no longer defenseless.
a Divine presence in Jewish history. behind the curtain of current affairs.
Despite the many current and looming When you add to the mix the 20% of They are confused by Israel’s deep sense
challenges, Israel’s dramatic drive to Israelis who call themselves dati (reli- of historical mission, which blurs the
succeed in all aspects of life continues gious) and charedi (ultra-orthodox), lines between imagination and reality,
relentlessly, with spectacular results: and the 40% of Israelis who describe between the possible and the feasible.
outstanding science and top-notch themselves as dati-masorti or masorti They fail to understand that Israel is
technology; excellent doctors and (religious-traditional or traditional), guided by an astral calculus that is not
(despite acute deficiencies) first-class this means that Israel is a deeply believ- always perceptible. As Ambassador
health care; high levels of Torah study; ing nation. Rabbi Dr. Ya’akov Herzog (1921–1972)
vibrant democracy, and a constantly In other words, while not everybody said, “In the sweep of history, there have
expanding world of diplomatic ties – practices traditional Judaism, just about been greater battles, larger transfers and
even with Arab countries.
everybody in Israel religiously senses emigrations of populations, bigger con-
Israel boasts a strong currency; massive that this nation is on a grand meta-his- struction and technological projects,
foreign investment; innovative water toric journey which is connected to more eminently impressive displays of
desalination and natural gas solutions; spiritual powers and moral heritage might. So, in secular terms, Israel is not
multiple humanitarian commitments invested in the Jewish people. These that big a deal... But as vindication of
abroad; continuing (although slow) assets have sustained Jews through the spirit, as validation of tenacious faith,
aliyah and immigrant absorption, and centuries and brought them home to as proof of the Jewish people’s right of
most of all, sensational youth activism the Land of Israel. return to its indigenous home, Israel’s
and undimmed patriotism. Indeed, the This belief in the power of Jewish his- establishment and advancement is a
polls affirm the optimism and patri- tory animated by ancient faith explains very big deal indeed.”
otism of Israelis. Most Israelis (63%) much about Israel today. It explains the
believe that the country’s successes out- willingness of Israelis to sacrifice for The Jewish people has come home, in
weigh its failures. Only 8% believe the independence. It underlies the willing- every sense of the word.
situation is the other way around, while ness of Israelis to use military force to David M. Weinberg is vice president of
22% say that failures and successes are defend the country, especially against the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and
equal. genocidal enemies like Iran. It explains Security, jiss.org.il. His personal site is
davidmweinberg.com.
Israel also is, more than ever, a nation of their drive to succeed in the arts and
believers. A renaissance of Jewish iden- sciences and to share their advances A member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau
tity is underway. There is a reawakening with the world. It explains their resolute mizrachi.org/speakers

50 |