In Israel the news during the last few days concerning the forthcoming October 27th election has been distressing. The following Haaretz opinion piece captures the current zeitgeist.

Accordingly, I found the following essay, written in response to the same growing alarm, deeply moving. As an American-Israeli, it is easy to identify with its underlying melancholy. I thought it would be useful to share it in conjunction with the Haaretz piece.

At stake in this Israeli election: Patriotism

Is it possible for people to remain patriotic once their country has been taken over permanently, they’re convinced, by a force of evil?