Memorial to Independence: the Story of a Nation

The transition from Memorial Day directly into Israeli Independence Day remains analogous to the historical evolution of the country. Tonight, Israelis gather across the state, paying homage to the sacrifices of fallen soldiers in defense of the country during multiple wars over the last 61 years. Tomorrow, the entire demeanor of the country changes, with celebrations and festivals marking another year since the foundation of the nation in 1948.

This staggering metamorphosis of the population symbolically represents the evolution of a small strip of land along the Mediterranean from an underdeveloped British mandate into a thriving force on the international scene. The original Jewish settlers in Palestine focused on cultivating the land through Kibbutzim and developing a unique Europe-influenced culture in a foreign land. Many of these pioneers narrowly avoided the Holocaust and founded the new country with little-to-no formal education. As small nation of a mere 7 million people over approximately 21,000 square kilometers, this country evolved into a major industrial center, a technological phenomenon, the sole democracy in the Middle East, and a diplomatic broker with the other regional governments.

According to the most recent United Nations Human Development Reports, Israel vaulted towards the top in multiple categories evaluating the level of progress by different countries. For example, the country ranks eighth in life expectancy, three years longer than the life expectancy in the United States. Israel also ranks 33rd in both literacy and gross domestic product per capita, with a purchasing power parity of approximately $24,000. Overall the UN ranks Israel as the 24th most developed nation, falling behind no other country in the region.

This development led to immense scientific breakthroughs that propelled Israel into a technologically advanced marvel, providing the nation with increased clout on the international stage. The industrialization of the country coupled with the technological achievements erected a formidable military that gained international esteem for its superior capabilities. Admiration for the Israel Defense Force does not rest in the quantity of troops, but rather in the quality of armaments and execution of operations that generally provide crippling target precision, such as the bombing of Iraqi and Syrian nuclear facilities in 1981 and 2007, respectively. Most importantly, the alleged Israeli development of nuclear weapons represents a serious scientific accomplishment that immediately thrust the country’s military into a unique category of indomitable armed forces.

Diplomatically, Israel even managed to achieve seemingly lasting peace processes with two of its foremost foes, Jordan and Egypt. The agreements, painstakingly forged after multiple wars, provide each nation with additional economic opportunities and diplomatic leverage with the West. While some similar global conflicts remain volatile until today, these nations shunned historical hatred and amplifying animosity for the mutually beneficial ideals of peace and bilateral cooperation. Similarly, due to these values coupled with the technological advancement, Israel forged one of the closest global alliances with the United States. As Israel continues to face international reprobation, the relationship with the United States remains rooted in shared interests and common virtues of democracy, transparency, and human rights.

These impressive accomplishments do not reflect the standard developmental curve of nations created in the mid-1940s. In comparison, following its official independence in 1946, the Philippines remains rife with political instability, partially due to the emergence of Islamic extremism in the south, and a relatively low per capita purchasing power parity GDP of approximately $3,000. Establishing its independence in 1947, India still neglects to provide many basic services to the exponentially expanding population, leaving countless residents living in poverty and famine. Even Israel’s neighbor Jordan, independent since 1946, remains politically stagnant with a monarchy and economically disparate, ranking among moderately developed nations according to the UN.

While Israel clearly accomplished unparalleled achievements in its short history, these accomplishments remain marred by unsettled fundamental dilemmas in the foundation of the country. Primarily, the pending peace process with the Palestinians continues to undermine the international stature of Israel, as foreign governments consider censures and boycotts until the realization of a resolution to the conflict. Even though Israelis maintain a high quality of living and enjoy robust social services, the Palestinians, especially in the Gaza Strip, continue to live impoverished, struggling to advance in the perpetually progressing world. Until the culmination of this conflict, Israel remains isolated from the majority of the Muslim and Arab world, thereby stifling any potential cooperation with an increasingly relevant group of countries.

Similarly, the need for religious character in state affairs sabotages and limits democratic reforms and progress. Although the electoral process provides free elections, many non-Jewish residents of Israel remain unrepresented in the political discourse due to their religion. Unlike Jews that can obtain near-immediate citizenship, the country withholds this right from residents of other faiths. As the county’s demographics continue to change towards a smaller Jewish majority, the necessity may emerge to evolve the fundamentals of Israeli democracy in order to adapt to the changing landscape.

Regardless of the acute existential dilemmas facing Israel, the accomplishments in its history thus far remain admirable. The Israeli population overcame enough adversities and achieved far more social, technological, and political progress than any reasonable observer could expect. By bestowing the same tenacity and perseverance exemplified by the country’s founders and architects, Israelis can surely surmount today’s predicaments.