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Israel Still Struggles With Meaning of, Path to 'Normal'

Can the Jewish state ever be just a country among countries? Does it want to be?

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 4, 2008 4:43 PM CDT

(Newser) – Even as Israel celebrates its 60th birthday, the Jewish state’s lifelong pursuit of normalcy has David Hazony wondering, in the New Republic, if such a thing is possible or desired. Piquing Hazony's interest was the government's recent hiring of a PR firm to build a “narrative of normalcy,” to turn Western minds from war and terror to babes and beaches.

Despite Biblical praise for their uniqueness, permanent exile long kept Jews apart and unfulfilled, sparking Zionism—a desire for the psychic completion of a homeland. It’s an irony, then, that Israel is a new chapter of different-ness, as Jews must make war and sanction lousy politicians. But normal is over-rated, Hazony concludes: Perhaps Israel should just close the book on its identity crisis.

A Palestinian villager looks from his doorway as Israeli soldiers take position during an army operation in the West Bank village of Nilin near Modin.
A Palestinian villager looks from his doorway as Israeli soldiers take position during an army operation in the West Bank village of Nilin near Modin.   (AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)
Israeli youths chant slogans in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City, as part of Jerusalem Day celebrations,.
Israeli youths chant slogans in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City, as part of Jerusalem Day celebrations,.   (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, center, stands with President Shimon Peres, center right, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, left, and Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger, second from left.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, center, stands with President Shimon Peres, center right, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, left, and Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger, second from left.   (AP Photo)
Fireworks explode in the sky near Jerusalem's Old City, as the Al Aqsa Mosque is seen, right, as part of Jerusalem Day celebrations Monday, June 2, 2008.
Fireworks explode in the sky near Jerusalem's Old City, as the Al Aqsa Mosque is seen, right, as part of Jerusalem Day celebrations Monday, June 2, 2008.   (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
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