Israel's Elections: A Choice Between National Identity and Assimilation
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Dr. Michal Asaf Kramer, a member of the Circle of Professors for National Resilience, argues that Israel's upcoming elections are a choice about preserving Jewish national identity versus assimilation. She believes that since October 7th, Israeli society is undergoing a deep identity reassessment, making this election's core question about the nation's future direction. Kramer emphasizes the need for a strong Jewish identity, rooted in tradition and values, to guide the nation's future and resilience.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's upcoming elections are a profound choice about preserving Jewish national identity, according to Dr. Michal Asaf Kramer.
- Since October 7th, Israeli society is undergoing a deep identity reassessment, making Jewish national identity a central concern.
- Two contrasting worldviews exist: one emphasizing historical providence and mission, the other human agency and self-determination.
- The choice impacts security, education, and national values, requiring a balance of strength and faith.
- Maintaining Jewish identity is crucial for Israel's future, providing meaning and resilience.
Dr. Michal Asaf Kramer, a member of the steering committee of the Circle of Professors for National Resilience, argues that the upcoming 26th Knesset elections present a deeper choice for the public than the traditional left-right divide. She posits that the core question is whether Jewish national identity will continue to shape Israel's future, suggesting this election's leadership choice may differ from past ones.
Kramer suggests that since October 7th, Israeli society has undergone a profound identity reassessment, with Jewish national identity becoming a central public concern. She points to data indicating a strengthening connection to Jewish identity, leading to a fundamental decision regarding the nation's chosen path, referencing the biblical phrase "You have chosen us from all the nations."
Two contrasting worldviews exist within Israeli society, according to Kramer. One views the Jewish people's story as a historical journey guided by providence, covenant, and mission, emphasizing chosenness for responsibility rather than superiority. The other prioritizes human agency and self-determination, akin to the "by my own strength and might" concept, which she argues rejects the former.
This divergence, Kramer explains, extends beyond theology to how Israelis understand themselves, their past, and their future. It influences security approaches, questioning whether military might alone suffices or requires spiritual and national cohesion. It also impacts education, healthcare, and economic policy. Historically, the Jewish people have needed a blend of strength and faith, action and spirit.
The critical choice, she asserts, is not just who will lead, but which worldview will prevail. Will Israel remain a Jewish state in name only, a "state of all its citizens" that compromises with enemies and disperses, or will it preserve its identity as the Jewish people, rooted in its heritage and mission, building its future from these foundations?
Kramer identifies three dimensions to the challenge of Jewish identity: individual knowledge of Jewish tradition, the strengthening of core values like the Jewish family, and the crucial role of educators in transmitting heritage and values. She stresses that educational approaches must align with Jewish tradition and be entrusted to knowledgeable and committed educators. Ultimately, maintaining Jewish identity is essential for shaping the future, providing meaning, connecting generations, and enabling resilience, echoing Viktor Frankl's sentiment that "He who has a why to live can bear with almost any how."
