From the Commie Archives: (December 19, 1949; Volume 30, Issue 5) — Israelis Show Healthy Spirit; ‘Sabres’ Deny Value of Galut

Editor’s Note: Before live reporting and social media, the American Jewish community relied heavily upon firsthand accounts to hear about the state of Jewry in Israel and Europe. In this issue of The Commentator, published just a year after the establishment of the State of Israel, Leon S. Levy records his findings from a fourteen-month period spent in Israel. His descriptions of the budding culture of the new State and of the young “sabre” — “thorny on the outside but sweet at the core” — attest to the enduring spirit of the Israeli people.

[The writer returned to Yeshiva this fall after a fourteen month stay in Israel with the Israeli Army – Ed.]

“Sabre” is the name given to a native born Israeli, a sabre being a type of cactus, thorny on the outside but sweet at the core. Those who, like myself, have had the opportunity to become acquainted with native Israelis can affirm the validity of this description.

The young people, who proved during the war that they have cast off the Galut-complex, show none of the signs of a militant youth. Their dislike for pomp stems from the days of the underground which was run along the lines of the partisans in Europe. In time of operations, discipline, of course, is primary; at other times, it is strictly taboo.

The members of Palmach are probably the most highly representative of the spirit of the army. The hardy, rough laugh of bearded “Palmachniks” in the Negev at a “Kumsitz” (informal party) is hard to forget; their actions stand for themselves.

No sooner were plans for demobilization announced than the army was flooded with demands of soldiers to return to the Hebrew University, Kibbutzim and other phases of civilian life. Talking to these people, I saw that they were not disillusioned as to the prospects of the future. It was with realization of and an eagerness to assist in solving the grave problems of reconstruction and rebuilding their country that they wanted to return to normal life.

The young Israelis are avid readers and have a good understanding of politics, but are by no means over-serious. They have a good knowledge of Tanach and are familiar with a great many Midrashim. Most important, they are eager to learn.

The charge that the Israelis are “Goyim M’dabrei Ivrit” (Hebrew speaking Goyim) is often made by religious leaders and Jewish Classicists. This seems to be a projection of their views on the life of the Yishuv. Much of this criticism levelled at the Israelis would be dispelled if those who are hasty to offer judgment would make a serious attempt to understand the citizens of the young state.

The basic fact which must be realized is that Israel is not the cultural center as proposed in the writings of Ahad Ha’am, but is actually a political state in line with the Herzl-Nordau idea. The cultural potentialities are inherent in the nation, but at present they are in an amorphous state which must be molded. Such projects as the excavations along the Yarkon, the new Jewish encyclopedia, and the publications of the Bialik foundation are examples of the work being done on Judaica in Israel, which will certainly be extended. There is no need, then, to worry about the spirit of the new nation.

The truth remains, however that the large majority of the youth deny the value of the Diaspora as a decisive positive factor in Jewish existence. To them existence is a priori; Israel is to be a nation like all nations.

Proudly cognizant of their responsibility to the hundreds of thousands of Jews remaining in Europe, who must come to them in the next few years, they hope to meet the challenge. They look to the Jews in America to help them financially and morally. Politically, they feel that as any democratic community they are entitled to decide on their own future.

Photo Caption: The Commentator Archives 

Photo Credit: The Commentator