Greek Myth of Icarus and Daedalus Used to Analyze Israeli Politics
The author, Ruhama Weiss, draws parallels between the Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus and the biblical story of the Tower of Babel to critique contemporary Israeli politics, particularly concerning the integration of Arab parties. Weiss, writing from Ikaria, Greece, where she is staying in an apartment named after Daedalus, recounts the myth of the inventor Daedalus and his son Icarus, who attempted to escape Crete using wings made of feathers and wax. Icarus, flying too close to the sun, had his wings melt, leading to his fatal fall. This myth, Weiss argues, is traditionally interpreted as a cautionary tale against hubris and excessive ambition, promoting conservatism and humility.
Weiss contrasts this with a "critical reading" against the grain, inspired by Walter Benjamin's approach to history. She suggests that the myth, when read this way, questions who benefits from suppressing ambition and who needs humble youth. She posits that it is the establishment, familial, communal, and political, that benefits from discouraging aspiration, as it maintains its control. The author finds a parallel in the Tower of Babel story, where human ambition to reach the heavens is punished by God, who confuses their languages and scatters them. Both narratives, she contends, involve talented individuals whose innovative solutions to fear or desire for control threaten a higher power and result in punishment for their hubris.
Applying this critical lens to Israeli politics, Weiss praises Mansour Abbas and Yoav Segalovitz for their "brave and creative" efforts to elevate Israeli society, implicitly referencing the Icarus and Babel narratives. She criticizes Prime Minister Netanyahu and centrist parties for marginalizing Arab parties like Ra'am, portraying them as a threat. Weiss argues that Netanyahu, in his role as a self-appointed arbiter of what is 'Jewish' and 'moral,' conveniently labels Arab parties as 'pious' when it suits him and 'poyes' (taboo) when it doesn't. She sees the collaboration between Abbas and Segalovitz as an attempt to give Israeli society "wings" or build a protective tower, challenging the fearful establishment that seeks to clip these aspirations.
Weiss concludes by stating her intention to vote for Ra'am in the upcoming elections, as a reward for courageous and creative solutions. She expresses a desire to challenge fearful parties and believes that increased support for Ra'am will compel the government to acknowledge and reward their bravery. She wishes for a year of healthy choices and growth.
