Four years ago, for Israel's fiftieth anniversary, Dana International was put on the world stage to sing at the Eurovision song contest. The fact that the chosen representative of the Jewish State was a transvestite did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the moment, nor to reduce the adoration Israelis felt when she won the competition.
Two years later, Israel's choice was a patently awful group named Ping Pong, who insisted on waving the flag of Israel's most implacable enemy while singing their "song" on the international stage. It took a sympathy allowance from the unbelieving judges who couldn't believe that anything this awful wasn't a fluke in order to keep Israel in the competition for the next year. This was the best Israel could offer?
And now, two years later again, Alex Averbukh wins Israel's first ever gold medal at an international athletic competition, clearing 5.85 meters in the high jump at the European Track and Field Championships. The country has exploded with joy. Especially at a time when Israel is undergoing so much tragedy, especially when the competition took place in the Munich Olympic Stadium - itself the scene of tragedy for Israel - Averbukh's victory is the victory of all Israel.
A Reuters photographer captured the moment for history, as Averbukh floated back to the ground following his leap. In a picture plastered over every Israeli newspaper this morning, there is Averbukh, 3 meters in the air, pelvis thrust outward, and both middle fingers in the air.
This, dear readers, is what Israel has to be proud of. This, dear readers, s the best Israel can offer.
A gold medal is usually a great reason to celebrate. This is especially true when the background to the win is filled with such sorrow. But when the nation is so hungrily looking for a hero, Alex Averbukh is apparently not the person we need. He is certainly not the person we want to show the world the true meaning of Israeli victory.
Today Alex Averbukh takes his place with Dana International, Ping Pong, and other blowhards on the trash heap of Israeli sport and culture. These people are not the role models cultural heroes are supposed to become. They are what can go terribly wrong when a nation refuses to take the proper pride in its identity, its history, and its image.
Perhaps Israel's establishment can learn a lesson from these people. The lesson of what to avoid if we want to show the world what we are truly made of.
Copyright 2002. All rights reserved. Yehuda Poch is a journalist living in Israel. Reproduction in electronic or print format by permission of the author only.
