Jewish Resilience and Achievement: A Path Beyond Victimhood
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
An article discusses Israeli Mizrahi identity, arguing that historical Jewish success stems from excellence and personal responsibility, not victimhood. It calls for both state action to address past inequalities and for the Mizrahi community to embrace these traditional values.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Jewish survival and success are attributed to excellence and personal responsibility.
- Historical Jewish resilience stemmed from overcoming adversity, not self-pity.
- Contemporary Mizrahi discourse is criticized for losing this ethos.
- Past absorption policies for Mizrahi immigrants were flawed.
- Both state action and community effort are needed for progress.
- Achievement over victimhood is presented as the core message.
The article explores the concept of "Mizrahi" (Eastern) identity in Israel, questioning whether individuals of Mizrahi or North African descent who achieve elite status lose their identity. It posits that the historical Jewish emphasis on excellence and personal responsibility, rather than complaint, has been key to survival and success.
The author argues that the Jewish people's remarkable survival and achievements across various fields stem not from genetic uniqueness but from a process of socialization. This includes a non-localized religion allowing for dispersed communities, a strong tradition of literacy and communal learning, a shift towards knowledge-based professions, and the creation of a global network facilitated by shared religious and legal frameworks.
Historically, Jews faced persecution but focused on overcoming adversity rather than dwelling on victimhood. This resilience, coupled with adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit, allowed them to rebuild and thrive. The article suggests that much of the contemporary Mizrahi discourse in Israel has lost this ethos of personal responsibility, shifting focus to perceived grievances and political motivations, particularly concerning the difficult absorption of Mizrahi immigrants in the early years of the state.
While acknowledging the validity of criticisms regarding past absorption policies and the state's failure to adequately close socio-economic gaps, the author emphasizes that individual effort and excellence remain crucial. The emergence of national leaders from Mizrahi backgrounds is presented as a positive development, offering a model for aspiring to break through glass ceilings. The piece concludes by calling for both state efforts to rectify past injustices and for the Mizrahi community to embrace the traditional Jewish values of responsibility, learning, effort, and excellence, advocating for achievement over victimhood.