The Fragile Miracle

by the editors

Ehud Ya’ari, one of the most clear-eyed and reputable of Israeli journalists, offers a sobering analysis of Israel’s situation on the eve of its 60th anniversary of statehood.

Writing in The Jerusalem Report (“The Two-Front Threat Remains,” May 12), he asserts that while Hamas rocket attacks from Gaza and the re-arming of Hezbollah in Lebanon are largely perceived in Israel as “an irritating nuisance,” they actually represent an emerging existential threat. If left alone, Hamas will take over the West Bank and Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, will do the same in Lebanon, solidifying their roles as front men for Iran. But Israel’s leadership is too weak or short-sighted to act forcefully, argues Ya’ari, who calls for defeating Hamas in Gaza now, before matters grow worse.

/>That such a disturbing analysis comes as Israelis and their supporters around the world prepare to celebrate the creation, growth and flourishing of the Jewish state — one that has not known a single day of peace — is a reminder that for all the richly deserved tributes we will hear this week about the miracle of Israel, the fact remains that its survival is not guaranteed.

It is true that Israel has one of the most powerful armies in the world, thank God, and has prevailed time and again when its enemies have sought its destruction. But the nature of the conflict has evolved over six decades from traditional warfare against states to terrorism waged by guerillas. And Israel has yet to find a solution to the increasingly worrisome and accurate rocket attacks that threaten civilians as well as soldiers.

The bottom line is that while it is right and proper to commemorate this milestone anniversary with pride and gratitude, recognizing the unspeakable sacrifices made by virtually every family in Israel, it is also important to understand that Israel’s fragile status remains.

It is a state whose borders are not yet determined, whose legitimacy is the subject of renewed and growing debate around the world, whose role at the United Nations has been punching bag rather than esteemed colleague. It is a state whose future is openly threatened by a fellow member of that august body, whose leader pledges to obliterate it even as he seems bent on pursuing a nuclear bomb.

Internally, Israel is divided by social, ethnic and religious tensions that in some ways have grown deeper with time. And its politicians, from the prime minister and president down, have been involved in a kind of deep-seated corruption that fosters cynicism among the populace.

With it all, Israel has achieved remarkable successes as a thriving democracy, a burgeoning economy and a vibrant society of scientific, medical and technological advances that lead many to believe it can solve whatever problems come its way.

Our role in the diaspora is to champion Israel’s successes but not ignore its moral and other shortcomings, never confusing support for the Jewish state with an unwillingness to acknowledge or confront its weaknesses — as the prophets of the Bible would remind us.

Our prayer is for Israel to live in peace, and until then to live in security, and for Jews here and around the world to appreciate the miracle of having a Jewish state, to cherish, treasure and protect, always.

Chag sameach.

Westchester Jewish Conference

Westchester’s Jewish Community Relations Organization