 “All the nations surround me…. they blockade me.” We say these words when we recite the Hallel Psalms, as we do on Pesach. It feels like that sometimes in Israel. Perhaps that’s why so many Israelis go on vacation to faraway lands. But politically it isn’t like that. As we commemorate our Egyptian slavery it’s essential that we also celebrate our liberation. Here are some reasons for the latter...
The United States remains committed to Israel. Even if the (perhaps) less than enthusiastic Obama becomes President, Congress and the American people will make sure that the Jewish state isn’t harmed by American policies. Whatever reservations we may have about the evangelicals, their political backing of Israel is an important asset.
And whatever we may think of Berlusconi and his politics, he’s a staunch supporter of the State of Israel. Italy is an important voice in shaping European Union policies. He’s not alone. The recent visits in Israel by the Chancellor of Germany and the Prime Minister of Poland assured us of their countries’ support. The president of France has declared his support, too. Together with US President George W. Bush and many other political leaders in the world, he’s expected here soon to mark Israel’s 60th anniversary. Though several of the smaller countries – Norway, Sweden and others - remain a nuisance when it comes to Israel, it’s the big ones that really count.
With the United States and much of Europe on its side, Israel is in much better diplomatic shape than before. For there are also many other countries, including some Arab states, that are on Israel’s side. Foreign Minister Livni’s recent visit to Qatar strengthened existing discrete ties with the Gulf States, perhaps not because they love Israel, but because they have common enemies: Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas. That may be enough for cooperation, though not yet enough for open friendship.
Of course, we mustn’t ignore the enemies of the State of Israel and of the Jewish people. Nevertheless the progress that Israel has made in the six decades of its existence, even on the diplomatic front, is remarkable. Much of it is reflected in its robust economy greatly aided by foreign investment. Israel may even be better equipped than most to weather the expected economic storm currently on the horizon.
All this is obvious to the world, except, it appears, to a lot of Jews in the Diaspora. There most of us, especially outside the United States, still seem to need to present ourselves as victims. Many of our leaders may encourage it in the belief that the more isolated and vulnerable Jews feel, the more they’ll seek affiliation with and support for Jewish institutions. Presenting Israel as a victim is seen as good for fundraising.
Suspecting that this kind of attitude may have the opposite effect on young Jews many Jewish organizations tend to pay special attention to keeping up the sense of victimhood in the next generation. The harassment of Jews by Muslim students and their left-wing sympathizers on the campuses of universities throughout the Western world provide some of the arguments for enlisting the young. All this is not illegitimate, but wouldn’t it be much healthier to concentrate on the positive reasons for being Jewish?
Without wishing to deny or minimize the reality of the perennial enmity to Jews in many circles, it’s nevertheless essential to be mindful of the many friends we’ve in the world. Vigilance is essential, but paranoia is a disease we must protect ourselves against.
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