"For youth knows what it does not want before it knows what it does," French author Jean Cocteau once said. Many education professionals would confirm this. If we apply Coctaeu's quote to the poll run by Israel Hayom's weekend edition among 11th and 12th grade students, we come to the conclusion that our youth does not want any harm done to its country, to its military or to its family -- and certainly not to its future, which will be in Israel. The poll also revealed that our young people do not have much sympathy for those who do not like us. They are not interested in turning the other cheek. Some 60% of Israeli young people define themselves as having right-wing opinions. It would be hard to say that's very surprising. After all, young Israelis are not cut off from their surroundings or from what they hear at home. Since 1977, left-wing parties have not achieved anything impressive in Knesset elections; this poll does not indicate a change in that trend. Of course, the media has been feeding us the idea that the Left has the exclusive rights to morality for years, but that doesn't seem to affect the youth -- only 13% of whom hold left-wing views. Israel has always been a young, special country. Now, it is not quite as young , but it is still unique -- and not because it's a Jewish state. Eighty-five percent of young Israelis say they love their country. Eighty-nine percent don't want to move anywhere else, even if the "Milky" chocolate pudding in Berlin is cheaper. The youth prefer Israel, even if it comes with less whipped cream on top. The IDF has always been a sacred cow. In recent years, after every unpleasant incident, the media commentators try to explain to us that we are experiencing an unprecedented crisis between society and the military -- it's unclear if this explanation is a report, a prophecy or a hope. Still, 85% of our youth believe that the IDF is the most moral army in the world, and 88% proudly say they intend to enlist. In past decades, we were taught that "it is good to die for our country," and 65% of our young people still believe that to be true. Zionist activist Joseph Trumpeldor's words ring true even in 2016. The poll was carried out as the case of the soldier who shot the neutralized terrorist in Hebron continues to spark controversy in the media and among Israeli citizens. Some 60% of respondents believe that the soldier should not stand trial. Of course, there are those who will say that this figure also explains why 85% are convinced that the IDF is the most moral army in the world. Young people have the luxury of seeing the world in black and white, neatly separating the good from the bad. A soldier is good, a terrorist is bad. We must hope and assume that the IDF will teach our youth its values. Sixty percent of young people are against providing medical treatment to injured terrorists. This figure should concern us, even if it is the response to an unpleasant reality. Israel's strength lies in its ability to be more humane than its enemies. Considering the majority of young people are right-wingers, it's not surprising that 82% reported not believing in the possibility of reaching an agreement with the Palestinians. Some would call this figure discouraging; others may say our youth are realistic and have had enough of false hope. Just about half of the young respondents said they believe Arabs should not have representation in the Knesset. This sets off a warning light. Our first instinct would be to say that this figure testifies to danger looming over our democracy. But this can also be explained away by the irresponsible behavior of Arab parliamentarians, who are more concerned with incitement than their own constituents. The poll, which will be published in full in the coming Israel Hayom weekend edition, reveals positive facts alongside some unpleasant ones. We would have hoped that more young people would trust the police (only 57% do) and that they could name at least four Israeli authors (only 20% can). And we certainly aren't too happy about the fact that the preferred TV show among our youth is "Big Brother." Many people will try to use this poll as proof that our youth hate Arabs. When asked "what is the worst thing in Israel-" only 5% said Arabs were "worthy" of that title, and only 6% believe that the worst thing in Israel is the Left and "extreme Leftists." (And what's the best thing? The sense of family, according to 63% of respondents.) So what is the meaning of all this? At the end of the day, our young people are a lot like the parents. A wise man once said: "That which has been is what will be" (Ecclesiastes 1:9). In our case, this is encouraging: Our youth are, above all, patriotic. We have whom to rely on.
