The word unity has been on everyone's lips since the kidnapping of the three boys, Eyal, Gil-Ad, and Naftali, may their memory be blessed. It can be stated that there is definitely a sense of unity that has enveloped us and our daily lives.
But this wave of unity, a nagging thought crosses my mind, is nothing more than an expression of a heartfelt desire for unity, but not true and deep unity. As the summer events recede, I fear, so too will the sense of unity fade. In its place will reappear the usual conflicts that accompany us on a daily basis, some of which have even worsened in Israeli society over the past year. The lack of unity, and the absence of a new social alliance, constitute a strategic threat to Israeli society, and indeed to the entire Jewish people.
There is a tendency to use the term unity without delving too deeply into its deeper meaning. And even if we were to decide to carry out that 'unity,' what would it mean for all the different parts of the people? How do we translate the feeling of unity from a passing event to something lasting that remains over time? How do we turn an emotional feeling into something more tangible? What actions are needed to avoid slipping back into an atmosphere of conflict and social tension?
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If we intend to make 'unity' a national mission in the new year, we must raise several questions: The fundamental question is, what is the definition of unity? Who will it include? Is there a "price" for unity? After discussing and constructing the definition, an action plan must be developed, and then everything must be done to ensure that the long-awaited unity is placed on the national agenda, and includes various groups in the nation.
What is unity?
The word unity has several meanings. It can express solidarity, uniformity, and even harmony. Each expression has a slightly different meaning if nuances are important. When we talk about unity, what definition do we mean?
solidarity It is a concept of empathy. It comes to light in times of trouble. When the boys are kidnapped, there are prayers throughout the Jewish world. When the mob in Paris attacks a synagogue, there are responses from Jews in Israel and throughout the Diaspora. It always appears as a response to events of one kind or another of distress. There are great reserves of solidarity in the Jewish people in general and in the Land of Israel in particular. But (and this is a great sorrow) it is still not enough, we need more, and we need to demand more.
versus solidarity For harmony A completely different meaning. Harmony is created as a result of combining different voices. When ten violins play the same thing, it is not considered harmony, a soloist singing alone cannot create harmony. The only way to create harmony is necessarily a combination of different instruments and different voices. In a choir, a tenor, bass, and baritone can sing in harmony, a piano and violin playing a duet together do so in harmony. The pinnacle of the matter is when a large orchestra with multiple instruments and voices manages to play together in harmony.
To create the harmonium effect, two main conditions are required: one, maximum mutual listening between the players and great precision in their role. And the other, each must recognize the unique contribution of the other to the whole. The violin complements the clarinet, and the double bass has its own contribution.
On the other hand, the lack of harmony is not a neutral thing. On the contrary, it produces a cacophony that is simply difficult to hear. Instead of creating beauty, the result is complete distortion and even ugliness. The same musicians, but the opposite result.
Practical unity
Let's return to the question of unity. Can it even be translated into action? Into this kind of realistic unity?
I am convinced that it is, and what's more, it is clear to me that we have no choice but to try.
There are many voices and melodies all around us. Each group expresses itself differently, but they all have a common denominator of Jewish values, history, and tradition, even if the practical application is different. There is a shared desire to create a model society, even if everyone’s vision is not the same. There is a longing for dialogue with Diaspora Jewry, but we do not speak the same language (literally). Today, the voices mostly produce a jarring noise that makes it difficult to hear any kind of harmony, and yet the voices of the Jewish orchestra exist. We just have to arrange them together to create unity. Right now, everyone is focused solely on their own melody.
If every wise person understands that a violin makes a different sound than a flute, and he also does not expect drums to make a guitar sound, he must also understand that in order to build harmony for everyone, it is necessary to be modest and make some room for the other. Think deeply about what contribution each group in society makes to the Jewish fabric, and especially decide that creating unity through the combination of voices and forces is a matter worth investing in and putting at the top of our public priorities.
Some may ask why this is needed? Why is it even important? More and more leaders in Israeli society are realizing that a deeper, stronger connection between the various groups is essential to our existence as a country, no less than tanks and fighter jets, and when they think about the people in the Diaspora, it is clear to them that they are an essential part of the story of the people of Israel. The voices of the ultra-Orthodox, traditional, and secular are one part, but Jews in Israel and around the world are the other part of the whole.
At these hours, the chapter of soul-searching symbolized by the month of Tishrei and the High Holy Days ends, it is time to decide on priorities for the coming year. Our leaders, and we ourselves, need to create the integration of the different voices. Not because it is nice, but because it is necessary for us.
Our future as a people and as a society depends on it.
Daniel Goldman is the chairman of Gesher and a businessman. The article was published in English in the Jerusalem Post.
