Being fruitful in the desert

There is nothing revelatory about the notion that it is difficult to live in Israel. Between the tumultuous politics, ongoing violence and general uncertainties that characterize the day-to-day lives of its inhabitants, other aspects of Israel often get overlooked. Located in the heart of a desert region, Israel’s hot temperatures and inconsistent water supply have challenged the country to find innovative ways of cultivating a piece of land that is not particularly cooperative.

This semester, I have had the fortune of taking a class called Earth and Ocean Sciences 406: Science and Innovation in Israel. The course focuses on the technological innovations that the State of Israel has implemented since its birth to survive the challenges of being self-sufficient agriculturally in a desert. Securing enough fresh water and green energy to be used efficiently for its citizens has been one of Israel’s ongoing goals. This has manifested itself in a culture that is globally praised and referenced for its entrepreneurial spirit and technological creativity.

I was able to experience this first hand when, over spring break, our class went to Israel and visited wastewater treatment plants, drip irrigation factories and a facility that is testing solar panels for use in creating steam for electric power. Indeed, environmental friendliness in Israel is not limited to making a political statement; it is an ethos that ensures survival in an otherwise hostile environment. Efficient use of resources has allowed Israel to maintain affordable food prices for its citizens, unlike other countries in the region. For example, the rising food prices in Egypt are what turned the tide against former dictator Hosni Mubarak. According to a World Bank report from this year, over 50 percent of food consumed in the Middle East and North Africa region is imported. Amidst the region’s rapid population growth and without a foreseeable solution, this is an example of an issue that poses a serious threat to the stability of many countries in the region.

It is problems like these that render the question: Why Israel? Why is it that Israel has been able to develop and maintain a forward thinking culture that has not only managed, but in fact shaped the evolution of technology? While many may be quick to point a finger at Israel’s progress at the seeming expense of its neighbors, context is always crucial in understanding this fundamental issue. Since its independence in 1948, Israel has been economically and diplomatically isolated from its neighbors. It had no choice but to become self-reliant in food production, protection of water sources and other basic survival needs. These were not political decisions; rather, in a sink-or-swim situation, Israel swam long and far and has continued to do so today. It is this attitude of not accepting conventionality and throwing itself at opportunities that defines Israeli culture.

Today, Israel grows 70 percent of its own food and recycles 80 percent of its wastewater (yes, sewage). This is by far the best example of the country’s commitment to the environment. The closest country of comparison, Spain, recycles just about 12 percent of its wastewater. Through extensive purification using an intricate network of water transportation, Israel reuses its wastewater and transports it to the desert in the south, where it is re-introduced in an agricultural setting. On our trip, we visited many fields where this water is used to grow avocados, tomatoes, olives, melons and even fish in outdoor ponds. This is clever innovation, yes. But on a larger scale, it is a demonstration of Israeli self-sufficiency and environmental resourcefulness.

In thinking about the more polar issues pertaining to Israel on a daily basis, details are often misunderstood and skewed on campus, as the media and other vocal leaders often neglect context. In the same way that Israel’s advanced technology is often misrepresented as the recipient of special attention from the US or cultivation of the best resources in the area, many of the political challenges that Israel faces get distorted by quick headlines, and more detrimentally, lack of context.

There is no refuting the realities faced by the Palestinian population. However, while many are quick to accuse Israel of isolating this segment of people living in the region, and in particular to point to the humanitarian crisis that is associated with it, there is a lost sense of context. Putting the issue of the separation of the West Bank and Gaza from Israel aside, I am making the case that framing Israel as the bearer of a humanitarian travesty is both ironic and destructive. Humanitarianism by definition entails the protection of human lives. Since the areas have been separated, the number of terrorist attacks has declined by more than 90% leading to a substantial drop in the number of Israeli and Israeli Arab lives lost, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish alike.. To discuss the negative effects on the Palestinian population in being separated without acknowledging why this happened in the first place is an example of context-free language that is ultimately destructive to the peace process. All that can come from it is emotionally charging defenders of both sides, a prospect that is not conducive to productive dialogue.

There is a lot to lose by playing the blame game with Israel; instead of concentrating efforts on delegitimizing the State of Israel or being exclusively critical of the country, there is opportunity to cooperate. Environmentalism provides a perfect opportunity for countries to cooperate to solve common regional challenges. Collaboration over fundamental and innovative survival practices in the region would not only be a productive initiative, but may lead to cooperation on bigger issues as well. Israel has embraced innovation as a way to solve its domestic challenges and make the most of its limited resources. It is time that other countries, both in the Middle East and outside the region, start to think of the future of our planet and participate with Israel in setting the example.