The Week of JUne 22

"The past is never dead. It's not even past" – William Faulkner

The Founding of Tel Hai, June 24, 1918

Although the famous events of Tel Hai took place in 1920, the settlement itself was re-established as a permanent locality in 1918 by workers from the "HaShomer" organization. The re-establishment of Tel Hai expressed the determination to hold onto the northern lands, a determination that culminated in the famous battle two years later.

Thought: Why is it important for us to glorify heroism? To encourage others to be heroes as well?

For further reading: The Story of the Tel Hai

Settler-fighters on the balcony at Tel Hai in early 1920.

Operation Barbarossa, June 22, 1941

On June 22, 1941, Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in a military operation called "Operation Barbarossa." It was the largest military invasion in history, which changed the course of World War II and opened the Eastern Front, which became the bloodiest theater of combat in the entire war.

Thought: It's unbelievable that this happened just over 80 years ago. Thinking about Germany's invasion of European countries compared to the Europe of today can offer a bit of optimism that anything is possible.

For further reading: Operation Barbarossa

German soldiers crossing the border on the day of the invasion of the Soviet Union, June 22, 1941.

Signing of the United Nations Charter, June 26, 1945

In San Francisco, representatives from 50 countries signed the UN Charter, the founding document of the United Nations organization. The Charter, written on the ruins of World War II, was intended "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war" and to promote peace, security, and international cooperation.

Thought: With all the criticism I have for the UN (and I do!), do I have a better idea for such an international organization to aid the cause of peace?

For further reading: The United Nations Charter

The United Nations Charter.

The Altalena Affair, June 22, 1948

The Irgun (Etzel) arms ship, the "Altalena," reached the shores of Israel during the first ceasefire of the War of Independence. The demand of the Israeli government, headed by Ben-Gurion, to hand over all the weapons to the IDF was refused. The confrontation ended with the shelling and sinking of the ship off the coast of Tel Aviv. The event became an open wound in Israeli society and a symbol of the danger of a civil war.

Thought: Does "mamlachtiyut" (a commitment to the state's authority) always require giving up ideology, and what is the line between loyalty to the state and loyalty to a movement?

For further reading: The Altalena Affair

The "Altalena" in flames off the coast of Tel Aviv (opposite Frishman Beach).

The Antarctic Treaty Enters into Force, June 23, 1961

The treaty, signed in 1959 and entering into force on this date, establishes that the continent of Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes and scientific research only. It prohibits military activity and new territorial claims, making the frozen continent the world's largest scientific preserve.

Thought: Am I capable of creating an "Antarctica"—of giving up something I feel belongs to me for the common good?

For further reading: The Antarctic Treaty

Map of territorial claims and research stations in Antarctica.

Declaration of Nahal Me'arot as a World Heritage Site, June 29, 2012

The Nahal Me'arot Nature Reserve on the Carmel Ridge was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site contains a series of prehistoric caves (Tabun, Gamal, Nahal, and Gedi) where remains of ancient human cultures have been found, spanning hundreds of thousands of years. These findings testify to humanity's transition from a nomadic lifestyle to sedentary hunter-gatherers.

Thought: I wonder if half a million years ago, a person sat in their cave after lunch and said to themselves: "This heartburn is killing me. I really have to be more careful"?

For further reading: Sites of Human Evolution at Mount Carmel: The Nahal Me’arot / Wadi el-Mughara Caves

Lambert's telegram announcing the discovery of the prehistoric object in Nahal Me'arot.

Brexit, June 23, 2016

In a historic referendum, citizens of the United Kingdom voted in favor of leaving the European Union. The result, which surprised many around the world, led to political and economic turmoil throughout Europe and raised profound questions about globalization, sovereignty, and nationalism in the modern era.

Thought: Should "the people" be the ones to decide? Do "the people" have the tools to understand the likely consequences of the decisions they make?

For further reading: Brexit

The United Kingdom and the European Union.