I’m a great believer in the miracle of the State of Israel. What has happened in the last 75 years is nothing less than the hand of G-d guiding our way. But there are things wrong – not with the land but with the people who govern the land. The signs are apparent, and they worry me a great deal.
Let me explain.
Israel has always stood as a beacon of resilience and hope. In its 75 years of existence, it has overcome wars, economic hardships, and political challenges to establish itself as a regional powerhouse in the Middle East. Yet despite these accomplishments, there are growing concerns about the state of the nation. Over the past year, more Israelis have left the country than those who have made aliyah. This shift is alarming and signals that something may be wrong beneath the surface of Israeli society and governance.
The recent conflict, marked by both physical and emotional trauma, has deeply affected the nation. Israel has faced wars and military operations throughout its history, but the intensity and unpredictability of the latest conflict has left an indelible mark on the psyche of its people. Families have lost loved ones, communities have been torn apart, and the physical and mental scars of war are widespread.
The emotional toll of the war is not limited to those directly involved in the conflict. The entire nation, from the frontlines to the civilian population, has been impacted. Psychological stress, anxiety, and a pervasive sense of uncertainty have gripped many Israelis. This constant state of alertness has taken a profound toll on people’s ability to imagine a peaceful future, causing some to question their place in a country that seems perpetually at war. For those who have experienced firsthand the horrors of conflict, the allure of a more peaceful life outside of Israel is beginning to outweigh the desire to remain.
In addition, in Israel, elections are held on a national level with voters casting ballots for political parties rather than for individual candidates. This system, while effective in ensuring that political parties gain power based on their collective support, undermines individual representation. The absence of district-based elections means that voters rarely know who specifically represents their interests on a personal level. In essence, citizens are voting for an ideology or a collective agenda, rather than selecting an individual who is accountable to their personal needs and concerns.
As a result, voters are often forced to align with larger party platforms that may not fully address the nuanced needs of their communities. The parties prioritize their own agendas over the specific, localized interests of constituents. This creates a disconnect between the elected officials and the people they serve, leading to a sense of disenfranchisement among citizens who feel their individual voices are lost in the larger political machine.
Another area where the Israeli government fails to serve its people is in the matter of national service. Israel is a country that has built much of its identity and security around the concept of compulsory military service for its Jewish citizens. However, there remains a glaring disparity in the application of this law: Charedi Jews are largely exempt from mandatory military service. This exemption, rooted in religious and political compromises, has led to significant social and economic challenges for the nation.
For decades, the Israeli government has allowed the charedi community to opt out of army service, instead permitting them to engage in religious study. This practice has fostered resentment in other sectors of Israeli society, particularly among secular and national-religious Jews, who view it as an unfair privilege. Those who serve in the army or contribute to the economy are burdened with carrying the weight of national defense and social development, while a substantial portion of the population is not equally contributing to the country’s security, despite benefiting from its protection.
The Israeli government’s failure to address this issue by passing legislation that requires all citizens over the age of 18 to serve in the military, including the charedim, demonstrates its inability to prioritize national unity and fairness. Despite repeated calls for reforms, successive Israeli governments have caved to political pressure from religious parties that demand exemptions for their community. These parties, which hold considerable influence within the coalition system, have repeatedly blocked attempts at legislative change. As a result, the government neglects its duty to ensure equal obligations and responsibilities for all citizens, which ultimately weakens the fabric of Israeli society.
The Israeli government’s failure to work effectively for its people is rooted in systemic issues that undermine both democratic representation and national cohesion. The lack of individual representation in the voting system, compounded by the failure to implement reforms that would ensure equality in military service, leaves many citizens feeling disconnected from their government. When these issues are coupled with political fragmentation, corruption, and a lack of focus on the nation’s long-term needs, it becomes clear that Israel’s government is not serving the people as it should. For Israel to truly live up to its democratic ideals and meet the needs of its citizens, it must address these structural deficiencies and work towards policies that prioritize fairness, unity, and sustainable governance.
Israel is at a crossroads. The exodus of citizens, especially in the shadow of war, signals that the country must confront difficult questions about its future. While the challenges are significant, they also present an opportunity for transformation. By addressing the emotional, economic, and social issues facing its people, Israel can restore the confidence of its citizens and reaffirm its place as a beacon of hope and resilience in the Middle East. But this will require introspection, dialogue, and above all, a commitment to healing the wounds that have divided the nation for too long. Only then can Israel truly fulfill its promise as a home for all Jews, a land of security, and a nation that works for its people.
