Hanoch Daum
צילום: רפי דלויה
Room for optimism
Hanoch Daum urges us to look at all the great things that happen in Israel, and smile
At times, we need to do it. To close our eyes, and just like in a guided imagination session go back in time. For a moment, we need to be back in the past, before we built something here.
We need to go back to the fear of early terrorists, the period of economic austerity, the disease in the swamps, the absence of international support, and the huge gaps between the people who arrived here from such vastly different places, to this small piece of land, surrounded by enemies.
We need to be there with the families who arrived here with nothing, some of them in the wake of a huge trauma they experienced in Europe. We need to think about these people, the very little they had, and everything they dared dream of.
Would any sane person back then believe, had we told him about it, that within only 62 years, Israel will turn into such an enlightened and strong power in so many areas? Would anyone believe us had we told them that Israel will gain great admiration and be a leader in the fields of science, medicine, and technology? Was it even possible to imagine a situation whereby we’re a military and nuclear power? A state boasting one of the world’s most developed economies?
It’s ok to be upset by the Holyland scandal and the diplomatic impasse; we can raise a hue and cry over the grave-saga at Barzilai hospital; yet one needs to be deeply ungrateful in order not to admit that something wonderful happened here – that a truly great miracle took place here, in our homeland; that we managed to overcome one of the most horrifying tragedies and give our children a state and security, beaches and sun, an original culture and a language that keeps renewing itself.
Nietzsche once argued, in another moment of depression apparently, that there are no facts, but rather, only interpretations. Well, so he argued. Independence Day is the day where we should let go, even for a moment, of the grim-faced commentator inside each one of us, and just look at the facts.
We need to look at this country, which is home to more than seven million people; a democratic and developed state replete with mutual responsibility. We should look at its industry, agriculture, the army, police, the education system, our universities, kindergartens, the beautiful homes in the Galilee, the legal system, and the books being published every year. We should look at all of these, and smile.
Ariel Sharon was said to sometimes climb up a hill at Sycamore Ranch, get up there alone, and think. Ben-Gurion used to stand on his head. Herzl would walk out to the balcony. Taking a look at the world is apparently not an easy task. Looking beyond the temporary obstacles and momentary pains. It’s not an easy mission, but it’s an essential one: We are allowed - and to a large extend must - recognize the good things.
Through the year we go hard on ourselves, our leaders, and our state. We’re full of criticism. Yet Independence Day is a different kind of day, which should allow us to recognize what is so hard to say out loud, and even to whisper, without anybody hearing us: There is great room for optimism.
