Israel is going through hard days, along with the rest of the world. This crisis is among the worst in human history. The process we were so proud of – globalization and technology – have risen against their creator. We thought a borderless global village was a wonderful thing. It absolutely isn't. The technologies mobilizing and propping up globalization have become a great enemy. The spread of this virus, the previous one and the one that comes next – are all fed by these wonderful processes. We need technology, but it is also exacting bitter revenge on us now.
In Israel, two crises – national and global – have intertwined. Israel is mired in a severe democratic crisis, which is also unprecedented. Elections that have failed to produce a clear winner have created a leadership crisis. The thought that only the executive branch is functioning is both chilling and terrifying. But the main priority is the personal safety of every man, woman and child.
If I have any advice to give from my experiences in the First Gulf War, which appears vaguely similar to the situation today, it's that we first and foremost protect ourselves. It's in our hands. We are all obligated to this effort as social solidarity has taken on new meaning. I am closely following the actions of the government and the prime minister. They are doing good work. Before anything else, I am judging them on one question: Will we all be able to overcome these frightening times?
The directives being given to the public are correct. Nothing is overblown when lives are being saved, and they are. We now have examples from other countries who are proving this well. Please listen to today's national spokespeople, believe them, heed their advice.The discomfort is temporary, but worth every ounce of effort. Our lives are at stake, as are the lives of our friends and loved ones. Different days will follow. They will be better. We will breathe fresh air, we will go outside. We'll go back to the squabbling we love to do. We will scrutinize the government and its leaders. In the meantime, remember, it's in our hands.
