Page 52 - HaMizrachi #29 Yom HaAtzmaut 2021 USA

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

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