When I arrived in San Francisco a year ago to take up my posting, it took me a while to wrest my attention from the area’s beauty to focus on the heart of the matter — its people. I have not been disappointed. The relationships that I’m already fortunate to have developed and the love extended to me, my family and Israel are heartwarming.
As Israel prepares to celebrate its 65th Independence Day on Tuesday, April 16, the country faces an array of monumental threats. But it is also in a better geostrategic, political and economic situation than it’s ever been.
Nevertheless, a diplomat’s task is to be hopeful without being naive.
Israel is not immune from the unprecedented upheavals throu-ghout the Arab world. Multiple major terror attacks were launched against Israelis from the Sinai Peninsula. In August 2011, eight Israelis were killed in a cross-border attack on southern Israel. Thousands of rockets and mortar shells have been launched from Gaza into Israel since the beginning of 2012, endangering millions of Israeli citizens; thankfully Israel’s Iron Dome system offers a defensive solution to that threat.
Looking north, Syria is fast becoming a new cradle for jihadist extremists, while the regime possesses a large, diversified arsenal of weapons that Hezbollah and other terror organizations are striving to obtain.
Apart from only six hours in September 2010, the Palestinians have refused to negotiate with Israelis directly for several years, embarking instead on a path of unilateral action. Meanwhile, the need to address the threat of a nuclear-armed Iranian government that has called for Israel’s destruction remains on the table.
Despite this worrying reality, people need only look at Israel to share the countless reasons why I am optimistic, rather than falling into the trap of the “twinning phenomenon,” which fails to separate Israel from its neighbors and from broader developments in the Middle East. If I can acknowledge San Francisco as a home for the creative individual spirit, it requires a reciprocal vision on the part of Californians to understand the uniqueness of Israel, its vibrant singularity.
Once people see Israel qua Israel, they will share my pride on Independence Day.
They will see a new government with a record number of women serving, elected by the highest voter turnout in 14 years. They will see a world leader in the environment, culture, diversity, science, international aid and other spheres of progress. They will see the only country in modern history that actively brings in immigrants from the four corners of the Earth, including from some of the most impoverished nations. They will share President Obama’s admiration for Israel’s technological and medical successes, and its pursuit of “ground-breaking innovation.” They will appreciate that Israel signed a bilateral cooperation agreement with USAID that will enhance global food security.
This year, I decided that the best way to celebrate Israel’s independence would be to embody the dictum that a life is judged not by what one receives but by what one gives. Israel’s gift for Yom HaAtzmaut will be a week of events involving a superb Israeli musician, Tal Kravitz, performing for children across the Bay Area, including at schools in Chinatown and in pediatric wards.
When I raise Israel’s flag on April 16, I am going to raise it as a very proud Israeli, who started his life in Israel as a son of immigrants, who arrived carrying only two suitcases each.
On Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) on Monday, April 15, I shall remember the loss of my close friend, together with all Israelis who know the pain involved in securing our future.
On Yom HaAtzmaut, I shall stand confident knowing that Israel is an invaluable ally of the United States, despite our modest size. I invite you to share this pride in Israel — a country that is unique, energetic, compassionate and inspiring.
Andy David is Israel’s consul general to the Pacific Northwest region in San Francisco.