Israel's Fortieth Anniversary

This year saw the fortieth anniversary of the State of Israel, a milestone marked by jubilant celebration of their remarkably revived nationhood.

By many Christian students of Bible prophecy the declaration of Israel's independence in 1948 was hailed as an event of outstanding significance. For they had long recognized that Scripture predicted Israel's restored national status. It was therefore exciting to witness the emergence of an independent Israel, an event so long anticipated by searchers of the prophetic Word.

The significance of Israel's independent nationhood was noted in this magazine in 1948: "We are living in momentous times", the article read. "Past prophecy fulfilled gives assurance regarding prophecy still awaiting fulfilment... Should present events culminate in Israel being settled as a nation in Palestine, we may discern in her the fig tree with tender branch putting forth its leaves, which indicates the approach of summer: 'Ye know that the summer is nigh' (Mat. 24:32); the fig tree being an emblem of Israel". Forty years further on we now see more clearly both the remarkable achievements of the Israel nation in many varied fields, but also the emergence of problems which could so easily lead to her international isolation and make her the target of attack.

The achievements have indeed been outstanding, all the more remarkable because brought about despite the harassment of successive wars with their drain on manpower and resources. As a direct result of the need for self-defence there has been built up one of the most effective fighting forces in the world, with a record of endurance and skill ranking high in the annals of military performance. Linked with this has been the development of virile defence industries, with abundant surplus for a large-scale export trade in arms. Agriculture has been developed in formerly infertile areas, partly by means of an ingenious national water grid. Israel has now a diversified manufacturing base, including the world's largest diamond polishing industry. At the same time culture flourishes. The Hebrew language, formerly dormant, has

been revived and adapted to modern usage, providing a lingua franca for immigrants from widely disparate parts of Europe, Northern Africa and the Middle East. There are universities, clinics, social welfare schemes and housing developments.

Yet in its fortieth year, despite such momentous achievement, many feel that Israel has lost its way and faces a deep crisis of conscience and confidence. From the founding of the State in 1948 there had been a desire to maintain a high ethical profile in international relations. Ben-Gurion spoke of modern Israel as "a light to the nations". Many in Israel now feel that over the past decade that image has been sadly tarnished. They feel morally compromised by certain Israeli policies. The invasion of Lebanon was the first war fought by Israel which was not felt to be strictly in self-defence. The slaughter of Palestinians in the refugee camps of Sabra and Shatilah was held by an Israeli tribunal to have been with the passive connivance of several leading Israeli commanders. The rapid build-up of Jewish population in the occupied territory of the West Bank is felt by many to be provocative. Then there has been the unsavoury Pollard affair, when the Israeli government commissioned an American Jew to spy on the United States, Israel's staunchest ally and supporter.

Since last December the Palestinian uprisings in the West Bank and Gaza strip have damaged Israel's international image because of the repressive measures used to quell the revolt. It has been aptly said that the uprisings have spoiled Israel's fortieth birthday party. Shootings, beatings and the like have adversely affected world opinion. Comparisons have been drawn with the past treatment of Jewish people under oppression. Are they now dispensing similar treatment to an Arab minority? Israeli government leaders have of course their own answers to such comment, but the deep problem remains, and many Israelis are themselves shocked and perplexed.

We have the privilege of prayer for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps. 122:6), even though we realize that there can be no real solution to Israel's problems until "there shall come out of Zion the Deliverer; He shall �turn away ungodliness from Jacob: and this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins" (Rom. 11:26,27).

unknown | Oct 1988
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