Coronavirus: Israel's 72nd Independence Day, 1st In-Dependence Day
Now, after seven-plus decades, we are fighting an enemy we cannot understand; one which seeks to defeat us, our allies, our neighbors, and even our enemies without distinction.
By HAIM BIBASHaim Bibas, chairman of the Union of Local Authorities in Israel and mayor of Modi’in(photo credit: COURTESY UNION OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN ISRAEL)
This year’s Independence Day is one of the most challenging since the founding of the State of Israel. It is hard to celebrate independence when we realize how “dependent” we actually are.We are dependent on our families, our communities, our cities, our healthcare workers and our fellow citizens. We have even discovered that the entire world is not necessarily a global village, however, our local village has become our entire world. Israel, like every other country, is facing an enormous threat in the COVID-19 viral pandemic that has already changed the world.In the 72 years of our existence as a state, we have become familiar with our enemies. In response, we have developed one of the most advanced and professional armies in the world. We have contributed to science, achieved great successes in the hi-tech field, and faced many challenges at such a young age for a state.Now, after seven-plus decades, we are fighting an enemy we cannot understand; one which seeks to defeat us, our allies, our neighbors, and even our enemies without distinction. This enemy is an existential health and financial threat that includes Israel along with the rest of the world. It is clear that although we are separate, we have to deal with this together in order to contain and overcome the virus.Mayors find themselves in the front lines of almost every matter, including the front line in fighting the virus, simply because we are managing the daily lives of our residents. We provide services for the elderly, those with special needs, kids in school, parents recently out of work, owners of local businesses and everyone in between. Unlike previous challenges and threats, this pandemic has impacted every single family in Israel.In such times, citizens rely on their elected leaders and government to take action and provide stability. We are investing in healthcare, education, infrastructure and welfare on the municipal level. We provide protective equipment for our employees, teach and enforce government and Health Ministry regulations. We bring food and medicine to our residents in quarantine and try to provide them with everything they need.One advantage the Federation of Local Authorities has is that we work in cooperation with the National Lottery, proceeds of which are invested back into the community.These days, Mifal HaPayis, the National Lottery, is providing substantial funds to medical facilities in various communities. I see the strength of Israeli society every day. I see it in my city of Modi’in Maccabim Re’ut. I see it in the 254 other mayors from throughout Israel with whom I work. As a result, I know we can win this fight.I see our "army" of volunteers whose members are willing to contribute in any way possible. I see the people from Israel’s North to our South, in the periphery and in our large cities, secular, ultra-Orthodox, Arab and Druze; virtually everyone listening, following communal guidelines and saving lives.
Israelis have acted very responsibly, and the relatively low number of casualties from COVID-19 reflects this. We have a ways to go until the pandemic passes but I know we will prevail, just as we have for the past 72 years – with great resourcefulness and solidarity. The writer is chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel and Mayor of Modi’in Maccabim Re’ut.