Enemies all around but Israel booming

THE EDITOR: Earlier this month, I spent a week in Tel Aviv and toured much of Israel’s holy sites by tour bus.

Although I am no longer religiously inclined, one does feel a sense for the life of Jesus and his disciples when visiting the Sea of Galilee and Old Jerusalem. When walking the actual stations of the crucifixion and visiting Jesus’ tomb among so many devout pilgrims, one is moved by the overwhelming reverence of the occasion.

However, the overall impression of Israel is very striking to a visitor from TT for many other reasons and most of them have to do with good governance. For instance, the majority of the land in Israel is dessert and water has to be piped from either the Mediterranean coast (desalinated) or from wells many miles away.

So, naturally enough, water is an extremely precious commodity there and you never see a water leak anywhere. Israel is also surrounded by six enemies on all its borders yet, the economy is booming and it has the largest cluster of technology start-up companies outside of the US.

In this arid land, agriculture is also booming with highly sophisticated irrigation and fertilising techniques, tourism continues to grow and there is a vibrancy everywhere you go, with most business enterprises opening, even on religious holidays.

Now, I am fully aware that the state of Israel exists on much of the land that was considered Palestine, but that is a much larger question to be answered by the Israelites and Palestinians over time.

However, for the Israelites to succeed in building a great nation in the face of such overwhelming odds is tantamount to much more than just the strong support of the US. From what I saw, it is due to their extremely impressive work ethic and never-say-die attitude. Their system of compulsory national service also plays a big part in ensuring that education and skills training are imparted to each and every citizen.

Our tour group was there during a week of religious holidays, yet every business place, restaurant, bank, and construction site seemed to be open for business and teeming with activity.

It must be the most industrious place I have ever visited and I just wish more of my fellow citizens could witness the startling vibrancy of a nation, where a very strong work ethic is the paramount ingredient in the national character.

GREGORY WIGHT, Maraval