Opinion piece from the Jerusalem Post
About a decade ago, the United Nations decided to measure the happiness of citizens in various countries. This global happiness index is based on a survey asking respondents to rate their happiness on a scale from 1-10, the help they receive from the state in times of need, the degree of freedom in their country, and the level of corruption. Unsurprisingly, Finland consistently ranks as the happiest country, primarily due to its minimal economic disparity. Meanwhile, Israel continues to climb the ranks, positioning itself among the top 10 happiest countries.
This raises a fascinating question: How does Israel maintain such a high happiness ranking despite its tumultuous reality, marked by conflicts, pressures, and tensions? Even more intriguing is how, following the traumatic events of October, Israel’s happiness index not only remained stable but actually improved.
Following the crisis on October 7, many anticipated a significant mental health downturn in Israel. Contrary to these predictions, the Health Ministry reported a decrease in suicides from October-December compared to previous years, including the pandemic period. This unexpected resilience prompts a deeper exploration into the unique aspects of Israeli society that contribute to its high happiness levels.
Globally, humanity has never experienced such high living standards, with record-low morbidity rates, unprecedented life expectancy, and minimal levels of hunger and poverty. Yet, paradoxically, Western societies face an alarming rise in depression rates, now the second leading cause of death by suicide. Despite the plethora of self-help books and happiness guides, life satisfaction in these cultures hasn’t improved for generations. The demand for antidepressants has surged by 50% since the 1990s.
After October 7, Israel witnessed a remarkable shift. The traumatic event spurred an unprecedented wave of solidarity and mutual support. The sense of “togetherness” and shared destiny became palpable. People discovered a mental fortitude and a sense of meaning that transcended individual struggles. This collective resilience is a crucial factor in Israel’s happiness.