War and conflict are nothing new for Israel. It is not necessary to reiterate the profound suffering endured by the Jewish communities of Hungary, Poland, Germany, and Austria during the mid-1940s, nor the challenges that have marked their path since gaining independence in 1948. The world is keenly observing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, where the current Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and all opposition party leaders are in unanimous agreement regarding their foremost and most significant duty: to confront their nation’s crises with unwavering determination.
The politicians and citizens of Israel have shown unwavering unity in the face of the latest attack by Hamas. They stand resolutely behind their country and Government in every circumstance. People of all ages and backgrounds, including retired individuals and those abroad for tourism or work, are returning to the country to support their nation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has even sent his son to the battlefield for the sake of national security. Former Prime Minister Naftali has also taken up a soldier’s role to protect the nation’s borders. Numerous images of Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant motivating his troops and providing essential guidance have gone viral. The deep loyalty, dedication, patriotism, and willingness to make sacrifices for the nation have created a formidable sense of unity and determination. Even in the face of the first-ever breach in Israel’s strong security system and the intelligence agency Mossad’s failure to anticipate an attack, there is no blame on the Government, with citizens, journalists, and leaders of the opposition party rallying to serve their nation. The focus at this moment is on collective actions as expected of patriotic citizens, parties, classes, societies, and nations. Investigation into the reasons for Government or security agency failures will come later, but for now, they are doing what is required in times of crisis.
Consider this: Has any other nation managed to script tales of progress amid the relentless turmoil that has enveloped Israel since its inception in 1948? Amidst the challenges, could they have hoped for a stable, ordinary life? There was a time when the entire Arab world, and to a large extent, many Muslim nations even today, opposed Israel for religious reasons. In the years 1948-49, 1956, 1967, 1973, 1982, and 2006, Israel found itself in direct military conflicts with several Muslim nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Over the years, it repeatedly grappled with ongoing uprisings in Palestine. However, in the face of all these adversities, Israel managed to etch indelible and comprehensive tales of progress that continue to astonish the world. Could any nation envision rendering its entire geographical expanse virtually impervious with a defensive shield like the Iron Dome? Israel nearly achieved that feat!
Legend has it that during the period of exile in Babylon, Jews would reminisce about Jerusalem with tears in their eyes, and their voices would resonate with melancholic songs. As refugees and oppressed individuals scattered across the globe, whenever they encountered one another, they never failed to exchange a greeting: “We shall meet again in Jerusalem.” Following prolonged tribulations and challenges, the land they acquired as Israel in 1948, a nation’s collective endeavour, was predominantly arid. Nevertheless, the tenacious citizens of this land managed to transform the desert into a flourishing expanse, irrigating it with their unwavering dedication and perspiration. Today, the fruit of their labour is apparent, with Israel achieving an astounding 95 percent self-sufficiency in food production. The nation stands as a beacon in terms of pioneering irrigation techniques and responsible water management. Notably, food production has surged nearly sevenfold in the past 25 years without a corresponding increase in water consumption.
Embedded in the Israeli ethos is a commitment to the collective welfare, a principle that transcends individualistic concerns. This spirit extends beyond a self-centred perspective and is anchored in the overarching belief of “nation first, nation supreme.” Mandatory military service is an obligation not only for men but also for women, a responsibility they embrace with enthusiasm. Israel’s Air Force commands global respect, ranking behind only the air forces of the United States, Russia, and China. Renowned for its anti-ballistic missile defence system and significant contributions to space research, Israel stands among the select group of nine nations with their own satellite systems, utilised for drone operations. The nation leads the world in the proficient deployment of drone technology. Across myriad aspects of life, Israel has empowered itself with advancements in science and technology, evident in elements ranging from Braille currency and computer technology to voice mail innovations and extensive utilisation of solar energy. Israel boasts a significant ratio of 140 scientists and technicians per 10,000 employees, far surpassing the figures of 85 in the United States and 83 in Japan. Moreover, Israel holds the highest percentage of researchers fully dedicated to scientific careers, with 8,500 full-time researchers per million people, a striking contrast to approximately 4,000 in the United States, 5,200 in Japan, and 6,500 in South Korea. The nation contributes substantially to the global intellectual landscape, publishing 109 research papers daily for every 10,000 individuals.
This may well explain the remarkable influx of Nobel Prizes earned by Israeli scientists. It’s worth noting that even in schools, competitions are organised with an eye on the Nobel Prize, particularly in subjects like Physics and Chemistry. Israel boasts the highest number of universities relative to its population, underlining its commitment to education and research. Ranked second only to Silicon Valley, Israel is a formidable centre for information technology and innovation, serving as a cradle for start-ups. In fact, many of the world’s most renowned start-ups originated here. To date, over 3,000 successful start-ups have sprung from Israeli soil. Beyond their accomplishments in science and technology, Israelis demonstrate a profound commitment to environmental concerns, displaying exceptional awareness and vigilance. Israel stands out as the sole nation where the number of trees has increased in the twenty-first century compared to the twentieth century.
Presently, many countries formerly under British colonial rule still grapple with traces of linguistic subjugation and a colonial mentality. Even within our own nation, the question of a national language versus a lingua franca often takes a backseat in the name of celebrating diversity and a pluralistic culture. In stark contrast, Israel and its citizens have garnered international recognition by adopting Hebrew, a once nearly extinct and comparatively intricate language, as their national tongue. It’s worth mentioning that Hebrew’s revival is a testament to their profound reverence for their homeland and mother tongue. Israel’s policy unequivocally asserts that any Jew, regardless of their global location, is regarded as an Israeli citizen. Strikingly, this policy has met with minimal resistance at the local level. Israel also maintains a clear stance that if any of its citizens falls victim to harm inflicted by any organisation anywhere in the world, retribution will be swift. What sets Israel apart is the absence of a cacophony of so-called liberal, secular, or human rights rhetoric among its citizens in response to these policies. It is imperative to remember that the solid and pragmatic foundation of any nation, its desired progress, and global recognition, hinge upon robust and realistic policies. There is no room for emotional softness, superficial slogans, or the appeasement of neutrality, even during pivotal moments.
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