Berlin.
Israel is a formidable military power. But the country has been fighting for its right to exist ever since it was founded. A comment
When David Ben-Gurion solemnly announced the founding of Israel 75 years ago on May 14, it was less than 24 hours before the young state was at war. Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq attacked with a huge force to kill the survivors of the Shoah to snatch the new home. Israel won – because it showed the courage of a lion and its people knew: There will be no safe place for us unless we make it ourselves.
This spirit of the founding generation has endured for 75 years and has ensured that Israel still exists. As the only true democracy in near East. As a nation of inventors whose only raw material is what lies “between the two ears”, as Israel’s ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, put it at the ceremony in Berlin. These clever minds created not only a free, democratic society, but also scientific excellence, in-demand high tech, and an agricultural technique that makes even the desert bloom.
Even today Israel is fighting for its right to exist, whereby the balance of power has turned. Israel in 2023 has tremendous military power. It is absolutely necessary, but it also means that there is an obligation. Israel must wisely keep peace on its doorstep in Gaza and the West Bank. With toughness against terror, but with a big heart for the people who, like their neighbors, simply want to live well. And Israel must not budge a millimeter from its commitment to democracy. It is good that so many young Israelis are fighting for the separation of powers and the preservation of the constitution. So that Israel can also celebrate its 100th birthday as a role model for an entire region.
More articles from this category can be found here: Politics
