It's hard not to be moved when seeing children from Gaza border communities being hosted by families in the Galilee and kibbutzim in the Golan Heights. It brings a great sense of pride to see residents of rocket-stricken Ashkelon, Ashdod and Beersheba being taken care of by hotels in the north, who opened their doors to them free of charge. And you cannot remain indifferent when you see musicians the likes of Rami Kleinstein, Lior Narkis and others volunteering to perform in front of small groups in shelters around southern Israeli communities. What makes these events so heartwarming is that they stand in stark contrast to how Israelis behave on a day-to-day basis. I am talking about the Israelis who drive off after hitting a car or soccer fans who go berserk during games chanting violent slogans against rival teams and fans, especially at Arab soccer players. I am talking about the Israelis who litter the beach and push in every queue, and of course the Israeli tourists who steal towels in hotels both in Israel and abroad (dare I mention the sinks stolen from a Turkish hotel). The difference in behavior is unfathomable. It's hard to understand why during a military operation or war, when mortars and missiles rain down on Israeli communities and harm Israelis and their property, that suddenly the average Israeli changes his behavior. Why is it that during these times we hear about kibbutzim and northern communities offering to host southern families for free, when on normal days hotel owners are more than willing to "rip off" Israeli guests with exorbitant prices- This phenomenon isn't new. It has occurred through all Israel's wars. I still remember the generosity toward soldiers during the Six-Day and Yom Kippur wars. I remember the letters and presents we received on the front from people we had never met. It was there during the First and Second Lebanon Wars and during Operations Defensive Shield and Cast Lead. But as soon as the fighting ended and the soldiers took off their uniforms and went back home, we reverted to familiar patters of behavior wild, rude, disrespectful and sometimes violent. Perhaps psychologists can deduce the reason for the incredible polarity of the average Israeli's behavior. I heard one psychologist say that during times of fear and danger, the violent and belligerent tend to become more introverted and become nicer to others. I dont know the reason for the change in behavior, but I believe that with a little effort every citizen can improve the atmosphere in our society. All everyone has to do is act with the same kindness, manners and positive attitudes they have now but throughout the year. I have no doubt that if we can pull this off, we can improve the quality of life in Israel immensely.
