Independence Day for Israel's public welfare

A state does not just become impoverished, it is a result of government policies that prioritizes economic independence over the social independence of Israeli citizens, which has been successfully passed over into the hands of private entities.

Reasonable private wealth has proven that Israelis are not particularly wealthy to a large extent in the world of mutual support, a phenomenon unprecedented for most developed countries. The grass roots public welfare initiatives are as innovative, vibrant and multifaceted as the country's high-tech flourishing industry, which makes us feel that it will be someone to rely on.

Flags in Jerusalem ahead of Independence Day (Photo: EPA)

That someone is not the state, but rather our human environment – which includes friends, acquaintances, work colleagues and associates – that has all but replaced the state when it comes to public welfare.

Hitting the headlines in Israel were told about their own families, their families, their friends, their own money and their efforts in order to promote various public welfare initiatives and programs. Stories of these nature allow us to take a look at the complexity of the non-governmental and non-corporate sector in Israel.

Furthermore, Israel is willing to go to the moon. The fact that SpaceIL's Beresheet project – a prestigious and exemplary enterprise – has contributed to the development of Israel's position as a child, symbolizes our uniqueness.

From time to time – though with decreasing frequency – the voices of various groups and communities can still be heard. It's the country's job, they say, to protect their citizens the way to a mother's offspring, and the 2011 social justice protests were a reflection of this mindset.

This Independence Day There's no point in asking what country can do for us – and not even what we can do for the country – but rather what we, as Israeli citizens, can do for others just like or unlike us. Go and do something for your colleagues, friends, sick, needy and poor.

If the state refuses to act, we will try to be in the state and act in its name. Who knows, maybe we'll be successful in bringing peace to the southern border.
And this is the message I want you to take away from this little piece.