Israel claims Jerusalem as their ancient capital. Palestinians press a more recent assertion for all of Israel including Jerusalem. Of course, in the ongoing intractable debate, search for a peace plan appears to be an exercise in futility. Palestinians to date do not recognize Israel’s right to exist.
In meeting with Israeli government officials, one cannot help but be impressed by the confidence exemplified by Israelis in their national identity. Our delegation was granted an audience with several Members of the Knesset (Congress) representing a broad range of parties and political ideologies. As each member offered a statement on their opinion of the state of affairs of Israel, without exception, each emphasized that, even though there were strongly held political differences, they all were Israelis first, committed to Israel’s survival. Keep in mind that just five days ago, missiles were raining down on southern Israel from Gaza.
Each Member spoke to the critical character of caring for their children and the next generation. They left no doubt that they may fight among themselves, but when attacked for any reason by an outside entity, they would fight together against any enemy. I had observed this attitude in the past when visiting with Israeli leaders. Yet this time, the resolve seemed more grounded than ever in their national identity.
In between our briefings, I took more time to ask my counterparts questions about their values, rather than their politics. When the political ideology was peeled back to reveal the core essence of their vision in purpose, the unity and commitment to key values became clearer.
Education is not only important, it is mandatory. A child does not drop out of school. History is taught from fact, not from revisionist opinion. But most importantly, all children in Israel are taught connectivity in reference to the sacrifices made by the generations who preceded them. In so doing, all generations living today are bound in commitment to maintaining values handed down from their ancestors.
Every Israeli youth is required to serve two years in the military or in civilian service for their country. The security checkpoints are manned by both young men and women. It is noticeable how the young people support each other and back each other up in their military obligations. The camaraderie in service is apparent. When asked about this requirement, young people in Israel cite service as both a privilege and a duty. They take comfort in being bound to a legacy of service that is generational.
As early as five years of age, Israeli children begin training for emergency preparedness. They know what a siren means, what to do, and where to go in an emergency. They are taught to help each other and to respect first responders. By the time they are adults, they are conditioned to run toward a crisis, not away from it. It’s all hands on deck in an emergency.
The evening ceremony included Prime Minister Netanyahu and Ambassador Friedman participating in an ancient tradition of initialing a Statement of Protocol requiring the Embassy of the United States to be purposeful in the use of the land that it occupies. Israelis believe that the land of Israel was given to them for a divine reason, a treaty with God to advance truth and morality. Every use of the land must be in line with this purpose.
Prime Minister Netanyahu in his speech emphasized this commitment to purpose as Israel’s national identity. In 5,000 years of history, Israel and the Jewish people are the only society that have claimed the same land and the same capital consistently without disruption. The land and its purpose is the lifeblood of their culture.
One could argue that their history has experienced advantageous circumstances. Today they do receive financial aid from the United States. And, because they are surrounded by enemies, they are forced to stand together for survival, not purpose. None of these arguments explain the Israeli commitment to conviction of generational values. In fact, one could argue that they are unique in their courage for such commitment.
It is not necessary to praise Israel just for the sake of praise. Even Israelis would agree that all glory belongs to God. But we in the United States could reference, as meritable for adoption, a chapter or two out of their book. Pursuing, at least in debate, the commitment of values of the men and women who preceded us in declaring independence could shed light, if not on who we are as a people, then on the origins of what we have become. Recognizing and honoring the sacrifice of our forefathers, who laid and built the foundation from which we benefit today, would, at a minimum, instill gratitude in citizens today.
Dialoguing with citizens of Israel generates a dream and hope for a day in America when members of Congress, in the conduct of their discourse, emphasize that they are Americans first and political opponents second.
Purpose defines identity. Identity justifies purpose.
In the vision, the conviction, and the courage to sacrifice for a purpose in national identity, society is unified in a moral purpose of life.
My name is Marc Nuttle and this is what I believe.
What do you believe?