Driving in Israel is a dangerous contact sport. This is no secret. In 2008, 444 people were killed in traffic accidents in Israel. Twenty-seven were killed in terrorist acts. Over 400 more families were destroyed on the road than were affected by those who wish to destroy Israel. Yet, on some level deaths at the hands of terrorists, a soldier’s death in time of war, hit closer to home.
The other night, there was a horrific accident (which the English-language news has thus far decided is not newsworthy) outside of Tel Aviv. Five soldiers who were driving home in a jeep, slammed into the concrete barrier on the shoulder. The jeep then flipped over and burst into flames. Two 21 year-olds were killed. I knew one of them personally.
Mickey Galin, blessed be his memory. מיקי גלין, יהי זכרו ברוך
When will this war end?
The same is true here in America, 50k die on our roads and 2k die in terrorist attacks.
Driving is considered a normal risk that won’t wipe out the entire country, whereas the terrorists intend to kill every last American/Israeli, so a minor attack is a foreshadowing of something worse.
Thanks for your comment Ronduck. Overall, you’re right. But too many deaths on the road do not result risks associated with normal driving, but from carelessness, exhaustion, and drunk drivers. There is no doubt that terrorism is more of an existential threat, but pointless deaths are extremely frustrating, to say the least, and there is so much that can be done to mitigate this plague that, at least in Israel, is not being done.