One of the consequences of the so-called Disengagement was that many Israelis became very cynical.
You see, we all used to go to various and assorted rallies and protests. (Here’s a beautiful description of the giant one at Shaar Yafo. YZG was there too.)
But by the time that dark summer rolled around four years ago, we had lost our innocence
Our voices didn’t count. Our democratic right to protest was stifled. And nothing we said or did had any impact.
In the weeks and days leading up to the Expulsion, we continued our efforts, knowing in our hearts that it was useless. People said things like, “It’s not going to help, but at least we can say that we tried.”
Fast forward to a few weeks ago.
One of the health funds with a large presence in our neighborhood (I would venture to say that a majority of our neighbors belong to this particular fund) announced that due to budget cuts, they were closing our local branch.
The prevailing attitude was that nothing could be done and that any attempts to fight the decision would be futile and a complete waste of time.
Nevertheless, one determined local activist refused to concede defeat. He wrote letters, collected signatures, and arranged several meetings with TPTB (the powers that be).
And today, to everyone’s very pleasant surprise, the decree was rescinded. The local health clinic will, indeed, remain open.
May this experience help us shed our cynicism, and may we be privileged to realize that sometimes, optimism can win out.
