ISRAELI PATRIOTISM & OPTIMISM

Irrespective of the severe leadership crisis (draught), which has plagued Israel since the departure of Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, the People of the Jewish State have displayed systematic resilience and optimism, in defiance of Palestinian terrorism, political uncertainly and occasional economic downturns.

According to the 2008 Survey of Patriotism – among Israeli Jews - published by the Institute for Policy and Strategy at the Herzliya Inter-disciplinary Center:

1. 92% are proud to be Jewish (70% - very much, 22% - substantially).

2. 90% consider themselves patriotic (36% - very, 32% - substantially, 22% - somewhat).

3. According to Israeli Jews, patriotism is: Jewish legacy (93%), Love of the Homeland (92%), Hebrew language (89%), Jerusalem (88%), Jewish Ingathering (82%), Zionism (81%), etc.

4. 85% oppose the repartitioning of Jerusalem in return for peace.

4. 92% would actively engage in a military battle for the country (69% - absolutely, 23% - probably).

5. 90% are enraged when people act contemptuously during the Memorial Day nationwide siren, which commemorates Israel’s fallen soldiers (78% - very, 12% - enraged).

6. 83% support the hoisting of the flag on Independence Day (62% - very much, 21% substantially).

7. 87% prefer being citizens of Israel (61% - very, 26% - prefer).

8. 86% prefer living in Israel, even if Iran becomes nuclear (52% - very, 34% - prefer).

As evidenced by the 2008 Survey of Patriotism, the state-of-mind of the People of Israel has been its “secret weapon,” overcoming military and economic adversity, as well as periods of slackened leadership.

This entry was posted on Sunday, October 5th, 2008 and is filed under opinion. You can leave a response.