At the beginning of the week, which marks in Jewish heritage the culmination of mourning for the destruction of the First and Second Temples, the State of Israel stands at one of the most difficult crisis points in its history.
The sense of despondency and distress inherent in these days was compounded this year by deep concern over the severe crisis that threatens our national resilience and our existence as a cohesive society.
Demonstrations against the legal reform, Gesher Mudai, photo: Gilad Furst
One of the legends identified with this period is the tale of Kamtza and Bar-Kamtza. The story refers to the late 60s, the last days of Jerusalem, before its destruction. Relations between Jews are shaky, rife with divisions, divisiveness and hatred. Unfounded hatred. At the height of social decline, they inform each other to the Roman emperor. From there the road to destruction is short.
Rivers of ink have been spilled in interpreting this legend and presenting its lessons for future generations. All of them are true today and will probably star in speeches and articles in the coming days.
At the same time, it is right to draw attention specifically to the introductory words that the Talmudic sage chose to preface to the story of the deed. He begins by asking what message arises from the verse, "Blessed is a man who is always afraid, and whose heart is hardened by evil" (Proverbs 28).
History is fraught with disasters
He gives his answer to this by telling the story of a mischievous and miserable deed. What is the connection between these things? – clarifies Rashi, the greatest of the commentators: The fearful always "takes care of the foresight that no mishap will occur."
History is replete with disasters that those involved (by act or omission) never imagined would come this far. Three assumptions guided them in their conduct.
Demonstrators in front of the Histadrut building in Tel Aviv chanting "Strike Now!" | Gil Levine
The first: the consequences should not be exaggerated, things must be "taken in proportion." Second: there is control over events that allows you to brake in time. The third: the damage caused can be repaired.
Let's face it, most of us lead our lives based on such assumptions. It is impossible otherwise. However, the story of the act is intended to warn us against absolute confidence in this and suggests that we doubt and make stricter assumptions against them: it is worth remembering that a "small" event can lead to a major disaster and in the process of deterioration it is possible to lose control and brakes, and no less important: not everything has a "date B", it will not always be possible to turn back the wheel and repair.
Had each of the "players" acted during the period of destruction, according to these assumptions, we might not have reached destruction.
The rift between parts of society - deep and wide
In its 75th year of independence, the State of Israel faces one of the most difficult challenges it has known on the domestic level. The rift between parts of society is deep and wide. He opened wounds that did not heal, touched sensitive nerves, caused damage that could be repaired and threatened to cause a heated quarrel between brothers.
As in the days of destruction, it is difficult to find figures by consensus. The demonstration against the legal reform, photo: Reuters
The controversy has long crossed the political field, it is present in all systems of life. It has shattered the envelope that protected the IDF and security agencies, the symbol of consensus and the strongholds of statehood, and threatens to crush the people's army. It is also eroding the health system – which represents the broadest common denominator of us all.
Public discourse lacks signs of listening. Each camp digs into its positions. Confident in the justice of his path, he reasons, demonstrates and persuades mainly those who are already convinced.
The rhetoric escalates, the tone rises, and there are also worrisome signs of hatred. Not because of an act, not because of behavior, just because of a person's opinions, attitudes and identification with the other side. This is baseless hatred.
Our enemies rub hands with pleasure
"Earthquake in the air force of the Israeli occupation army" – this is the main headline given by the Lebanese Al-Mayadeen to the worrying development in our ranks. Our enemies watch us in amazement, rubbing hands with pleasure. The crisis gives them hope to see a conflicted Israel, collapsing from within, dismantling itself.
As in the days of destruction, it is difficult to find figures in the consensus who can prove at the gate and warn of the consequences. Anna are we coming?
Dealing with the questions of who is to blame and who is right will not extricate us from the dead end in which we find ourselves. Instead of proving the justice of our positions, we must show responsibility: for the integrity of society, for the security and strength of the state. First of all, the IDF, the defense establishment and the health system must be removed from the disputed areas. The damage in these areas may be distorted and cannot be repaired.
Dealing with the questions of who is to blame and who is right will not extricate us from the dead end in which we find ourselves, Netanyahu, Photo: Shir Torem/Flash90
Representatives of the camps must enter into dialogue in order to reach agreements. Dialogue that will take place out of recognition of the concerns that nest on each side, out of trust and respect, and above all out of responsibility. Beyond agreement on the concrete point on the agenda, these talks should be seen as an opportunity to pave the way for dealing with the roots of the dispute and the big questions: identity, vision, and "rules of the game" in situations of disagreement.
It probably won't be possible to reach a formula that everyone will agree on, but even a formula with a broad and solid consensus base would be good enough.
As in the family, in the state, formal regulation of relations can never replace the "soft" elements essential for maintaining a framework of life together: mutual respect, consideration, friendship and, above all, a sense of responsibility. Only when we walk this path will we know that we have learned the lessons of destruction.
Meir Ben-Shabbat is head of the Misgav Institute for National Security and Zionist Strategy in Jerusalem, served as National Security Adviser and head of the National Security Council from 2017-2021, and also serves as chairman of the public council of the House of the Religious Zionist Movement.
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