Recently, in our Eye on Israel series for members, we showcased something different from our usual interviews. We highlighted a video posted by a number of the wives of wounded Israeli soldiers, a number that sadly keeps increasing. The moving pictures of soldiers in the hospital and in rehab were accompanied by a song that included the theme that although times were difficult, one mustn’t give up.
The video is both heartbreaking and uplifting. Heartbreaking as one notices these—mostly young—men’s missing limbs and scars; uplifting as we see them surrounded by loving parents, wives, and compellingly, children.
It is not an accident that many of the young soldiers, even with serious injuries, have their eyes fastened on a happier future. Babies and children give one a reason to live and to work hard. Israel is the only country in the developed world having children above replacement rate. Surely, a country that has been under attack since its founding, whose people have been under attack since their incorporation into a nation at Mount Sinai over 3,300 years ago, have reason to be despondent and to despair. Yet, the opposite is true.
We can’t pretend that there are not traumatized Israelis, sunk deep into depression. But they are not the majority. Even while at war, Israel ranks high in the happiness rankings collated around the world. Their lives have meaning, and because they have meaning, marriage and children follow, which gives more meaning to life. It is an encouraging cycle.
Incredibly, after the Allies won World War II, the highest marriage and birth rates in the world were found in Displaced Person (DP) camps. After horrific years, after losing parents, siblings, spouses, and children, these survivors overwhelmingly chose to start again.
I couldn’t help contrasting that with a theme that keeps repeating among so many in America. That theme is one of despair and meaninglessness, which leads to not getting married and not having children. That is a discouraging cycle-literally one that saps courage from young people.
Rather than bravely stepping forward joyfully to build a future, a large subset of young people cower in fear. Fear of saying the wrong thing, fear of thinking the wrong thing, fear of global warming, fear of Donald Trump—fear of life. Having grown up when the adults in charge increasingly tore down anything meaningful in their country or family’s history such as role models, family commitment, and religion, they have no purpose or drive. Having been blessed to live in safety and potential abundance, they demand pity and coddling.
Clearly, this does not describe all young people, though it may be those with the loudest voices. Sadly, without a change of direction, their lives will remain empty. But, in the depths of winter is the time when we best recognize how brightly the truth can light up the darkness. This is surely part of the message of this brightly lit festive season. Hearts do change and each of us has the power to change our own and brighten the lives of those around us.
What do you think? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this Susan’s Musings post.
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