To live without fear

In May of 2015 I visited a long time friend in Israel. It was my first time there. Our friendship dates back to the late 90s where we studied together at University. All these years, he kept asking me to visit. I was nervous. Israel had a long history of conflict and turmoil.

I finally took the plunge and booked a flight. I stayed for a week and I remember feeling unsettled at least for the first few days. Anticipating that something bad was going to happen at any moment. At the same time, I was impressed by the industrial development I could bear witness to.

This wasn’t a country paralysed in fear. People weren’t just dragging their feet. They where studying, working, falling in love, raising children, building and decorating their houses, going for coffee, surfing at the sea. They celebrated life, making the most of it.

In my head I couldn’t reconcile the two. How can people, under constant threat, live life seemingly carefree?

– “Are you not afraid?” I asked.
– “To live in fear is to not live your life.” Eli responded.

It was a profound statement to hear back then. Still, I believe there is more to what Eli said. To live without fear is to live life in solidarity. It’s ok to be afraid; you are not alone.

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