Daniel Eisenbud On Why Israel Survives As The World Around Burns

OS has always marveled at the Israelis. He's never been there, but has encountered a few along the way, survivors or children of survivors of the worst the twentieth century could conjure up against them, and yet here they are. They create artists like Perlman, orchestras like Israel Philharmonic, they develop the technology that make cell phones possible, they make the desert bloom, they have a free press, and democratic elections, and it all looks chaotic.  Yet compared to Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Libya--need we continue?

On the way to somewhere else entirely, OS ran across this essay by Daniel Eisenbud at the Jerusalem Post.  It's an unusual piece, actually, detailing the difference between those Israelis who will not give in to the hatred that assails them, and those who do. And, in thinking about it, OS has met a few of both Eisenbud describes.

The most invaluable lesson I learned about survival from Israelis is that the healthiest way to deal with the vitriol directed at this nation is to not succumb to it, but rather, to transcend it. 

While Israelis – the vast majority of whom have served in the military – are acutely aware of the murderous hatred that tries to permeate our borders day after day, second after second, they also know from experience that giving in to the hate is a fool’s errand.

Indeed, I have found that the common denominator among Sabras is their majestic ability to rise above the odium that surrounds them and attempts to consume them.

It’s beautiful, and humbling, to behold.

 

To which OS can only add, 'Amen, brother.' But Eisenbud continues..

 

CONVERSELY, THE most jarring hatred I have encountered since moving to this country a year and half ago – apart, of course, from that of terrorists – may also surprise you.

It comes from the nefarious breed of Jewish immigrant who comes already filled with rage, and the mistaken belief that Israel is somehow an acceptable venue for their hate because of the copious amounts surrounding it.

 

To which OS must regretfully add--yes, you do have that correct as well. OS knows a family like that, preparing to move to Israel. The mother of the family quite seriously believes, for instance, that it would be a good thing for every Iranian to be wiped from the face of the earth. 

 

Seriously. Not making this up. It would not surprise the reader to hear that this family is seriously non-functional, would it? Rather like the Arab societies that surround Israel, consumed by their own rage at Israel, history, one another, themselves. Eisenbud is urging them to stay home, because Israel already has enough problems without them.

 

OS will stop now, because Eisenbud knows how to write, and you should read what he has to say. 

 

In these perilous days, he offers wisdom.