Opinion

Israel: a nation that cannot catch a break

For two years, violence and terrorism have plagued Israel. Peace, a strong economy and happiness are merely in the past in the minds of those hopeful of a peaceful future for the Middle East’s only democratic nation. Terrorist attacks have taken the lives of 786 Israelis in the past two years, and peace is sadly not in sight.

This is just another reason why Columbia’s disintegration is so devastating. For the first time in two years, Israelis were happy and filled with pride, just as Americans were filled with pride 33 years ago when Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and the Apollo 11 crew landed on the moon.

Ilan Ramon was Israel’s first astronaut to travel into space. For weeks, Israeli citizens’ primary focus turned away from the terrorist attacks that have plagued their nation and united on Ramon’s historical journey. Newspapers and television stations were focused on the positive and historic event — a refreshing change from the usual coverage of war and terror.

Even before his journey into space, the 48—year—old Ramon was a national hero. He participated in the 1973 Yom Kippur War and, in 1981, he was one of eight Israeli F—16 pilots that were able to fly undetected into Iraq and destroy a nuclear reactor located near Baghdad, thus clearing one of the earliest threats of a possible nuclear attack by Iraq.

Ramon gave Israelis a reason to dream. Although he had fought in the Israeli army, he was a man of peace. He repeatedly stated during the mission how he desired and dreamt of a day when Israel would be as peaceful on the ground as it appeared from outer space.

Ramon was giving citizens a look at the opportunities ahead and was appreciative that the United States had invited an Israeli to join the mission. This was a mission that involved conducting valuable research looking at genetically engineered adult stem cells in a weightless environment, with the possibility of converting them into bone, cartilage or tendon cells.

Ramon understood how important his mission was to Israel and accepted the responsibility that came with the journey. This mission helped legitimize Israel’s two—decade—old space program. Ramon spent time in space talking to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Israeli scientists and school children, many still too young to realize the historic event they were experiencing.

Coincidentally, on the 11th day of the 16—day mission, the crew of Columbia said a prayer and honored the crews of Apollo 1 and the Challenger — both of which marked their tragic anniversaries during this space expedition — 36 years ago and 17 years ago, respectively.

The astronauts of these crews knew the risks of flying into space and were willing to take those risks in order to serve mankind in its drive to improve scientific research to help save lives. The seven men and woman of the Columbia shuttle have now also made the ultimate sacrifice and will forever be remembered as heroes.

Israel’s struggle in the region will continue. Since the deadly crash, newspapers have covered nothing but this tragic event. Stricken by grief once again, Israelis will need to remain strong and will need to soon look ahead to the challenges it faces: a struggling economy, a decline in immigration and students coming to study abroad, and the terrorism it faces on an almost daily basis.

For these things to change, the Israeli government will need to continue to work towards a fair compromise with Palestinian officials — one that will secure Israel’s freedom, independence and safety.

 

Matt Modell (mmodell@badgerherald.com) is a senior majoring in journalism and political science.