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Where To?

Not to set my standards too high with two posts in one day...don't get used to it.

Tonight begins Israel's Independence Day (יום העצמאות)*. As I am writing this I am watching the ceremony at Mt. Herzl and also listening to the music of the crazy street party two blocks away, as if I were there! The ceremony is remarkable and moving: 14 individuals are selected nationally to honor the State by sharing their personal story and contribution to the advancement of the country as the 12 torches are lit. This year the theme is focused on the advancement of education and culture for future generations. The representatives are an impressive cross-selection of the country - from all parts of the country, old, young, immigrants and native born Israelis. Additionally there are musical performances by kids, famous performers, dance groups, and the Army performance troupes. It has a strange football halftime show quality to it crossed with a military parade.

(Good story here)

Building off a sentiment conveyed in the Miss Representation documentary, I am struck by how the pace of life is faster and faster, making it challenging to keep up with the changes. With technology we are even "closer" to everyone around us so that our awareness and potential influence on problems are both greater. And so, finding our place to engage in the change, to make the change we want to see, is in and of itself a challenge.

Tonight in particular I am struck by all that has been done by amazing people before me: the founders of the State of Israel, the builders of the kibbutzim and modern cities, the inventors and scientists responsible for so many of Israel's advancements for the betterment of the world, and more. These were amazing men and women who either rose to the challenge or merely did what they saw needed to be done, not even seeing it as a challenge.

Reality on the ground now is changing so fast - technology, for better or worse, is enabling change more quickly than ever. In my father's lifetime he went from having no clue of what a computer was, to using punchcards for his dissertation, to having his own computer at home and work, to seeing his grandchildren adept at touchscreen devices before the age of 8. And with all those changes comes this greater awareness of the need in the world. The problems out there can seem overwhelming - poverty and wealth inequality, food scarcity, ethnic conflict, eradicable diseases, crime, corruption, gender inequality, the list goes on and on. And it can feel overwhelming, so much to do; more than one person can fix, maybe more than can be fixed.

I will leave it at that - and bit of an open ending. I believe that we can all be agents of amazing changes in the world. And I am trying to find my road in this quest, to make my own mark, and to encourage and inspire others to find theirs.


*as a side note, the day before Israel's Independence Day is our Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror. The juxtaposition is intentional - we move from a day of truly profound sadness with two sirens and numerous memorial ceremonies - into a day of festive celebration of the life that exists in the State of Israel. I continue to be struck by the contrast between the observance of American Memorial Day and Israeli Memorial Day. The contrast between one that is upbeat, festive, capitalistic and consumptive with one that is introspective, solemn, and respected. Those who have lost someone as a soldier or terror victim are entitled to the day off of work, should their workplace be open.

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