Hope is not a strategy; a victory vision is

On the eve of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year, we are all in hope for a different year to come. But hope is not a strategy.

In the past two weeks, Nearly a year following, October 7th, 2023, horrific attacks, Israeli’s chin is rising a tiny bit. Maybe giving us a hint of hope. Not because of a heroic yet expected rescue of one or more of our hostages from the terrors of Gaza and Hamas. But rather pride derived from the highly intelligent and strategic military moves that offense towards the soldiers of Hezbollah. A combined effort to support the governmental decision of safely returning the citizens of the northern parts of Israel back home in a normal environment.

But, at the end of the day, strategically speaking, these are all merely steps towards a somewhat foreseeable future of normalizing the situation, which is far from the true victory that both Israeli citizens and many international communities are in need of.

What Israel and the western world need is a true victory. Eliminating Hamas, bringing back the hostages, and even dismantling Hezbollah’s leadership are necessary missions along the way. They are not the destination. They are success stories that serve as back wind for moral and gaining military and diplomatic momentum. They are not the  victory that would symbolize the change the world is seeking. .

To achieve this victory and change, or even validated hope that we are on the right track we must first define the victory vision. A true victory image, the embraces and communicates clear and holistic message that is relevant to all levels of political science analysis from the groups that Israeli society is made of all the way to the international communities which are affected.

Victory visions are not just a statesman’s terminology but, rather a mission critical strategy for any organization. It provides a sense of direction and an ability to reverse engineer missions and tactics. Research shows that this tool dramatically increases the potential of  success versus organizations that lack the victory vision. A victory vision encompasses what the organization believes in, what will the operating experience be like once the vision is reached and how would its internal and external customers, or citizens would feel and interact internally and externally. It also contains the quantitative and qualitative achievements that will be reached.

In his book “Visions of Victory”, Gerhard L. Weinberg’s book, analyzes the visions of victory of eight World War II leaders:

– Winston Churchill who sought to restore the British Empire to its former glory, through global influence and dominance. While preventing the spread of communism, in Europe.
– Charles de Gaulle who envisioned France as a leading power in Europe, while the continent itself would be free from foreign domination.
– Franklin D. Roosevelt’s hopes were for a post-war world based on international cooperation, and which experiences economic prosperity, and human rights. And therefore, he played a key role in the creation of the United Nations, aiming to prevent future wars and promote peace.

On the other side, Hitler and Mussolini were after expanding their dominance throughout the Mediterranean region as well as Africa, and German dominance of land that was then under Soviet regime, alongside Aryan superiority and Italy as a leading European power.

The Missing Piece: Israel’s Victory Vision

The recent attacks woke Israel up to a new level of devastation, one that forced the nation into a formal survival mode.  However, long before the attacks, Israel was already struggling with political, social, and economic turmoil. The war only amplified these challenges, pushing Israeli startups abroad, scaring off investors, and increasing discussions about relocation for more security. Returning to this pre-war status quo isn’t the victory of Israel deserves.

Israel’s Victory Vision is what most of its citizens and international supporters are lacking. It’s the true element to look forward to and to hang on to while times are rough and challenging. Therefore, defeating its enemies and bringing home all of its citizens is not a vision but the states commitment of safety. It is also what was lacking in the pre-2023/24 war era and resulted with the commencement of business, financial and personal emigration, and a sense of despair amongst many of those who were not acting towards personal change.

Israel’s true victory is yet to be defined, but it starts with a reimagined vision for the future. We need our leaders to craft a Victory Vision that transcends the immediate goals of war and addresses the deeper societal and political challenges we face. This vision must unite Israelis—across political, religious, and cultural divides—and position Israel as a global leader in innovation, peace, and resilience.

What should this Victory Vision include?

The norm of the existing narrative of from Holocaust to survival and to revival. But merely to get back on our feet would mean that the internal fractures we experienced weakened our resilience and till this day leave us vulnerable not just to external enemies but to internal collapse, growing financial challenges and struggle and emigration. To create a sense of optimism we must prove that we are “on track”, and for that, we need to define the track and its destination.

A National Unity Plan: To heal the internal divisions that have torn us apart in recent years.  Potentially through uncovering the values that are similar to us all and increasing their recognition through communication and actions.

A Security and Peace Framework: Not just military dominance, but a long-term strategy to secure our borders and establish lasting peace with our neighbors.

Economic Renewal: Focus on restoring investor confidence, retaining talent, and positioning Israel as a hub for global innovation.

Israel’s brand: Move from the perception of either a victim or oppressor to a leader, either in our known forte’s or develop a unique niche that aligns with Israels core values once they are redefined and crystalized. In addition to push for awareness and recognition for our leadership in a niche yet impactful value. For example, develop our unique value of eliminating hate crimes, once we live up to it.

International relations: Israel must reestablish its standing on the global stage, not just as a nation of survival, but as an impactful beacon of progress and collaboration.

Food for thought

For over 70 years we have pushed to establish and build communities, breakthrough technologies, knowledge hubs, sportsmanship (how many tiny countries like us have so many Olympic medals?) and a unique, notorious Chutzpa attitude.

On the eve of the new Jewish year,  I wish us all to regain hope and belief. Hope that will serve as a back wind to all of the work we need to do to build the future that Israelis deserve, and that the world can benefit from. A vision that is not just defined of struggle and survival but of true, sustainable growth.

What will Israel be like in your vision? What kind of connectionns, engagements, vibes, internal operation mode and international acknowledgment will we have? Even without a deep dive and analysis of this task on all levels.

Lets contemplate on movie trailer like vision of our county. It’s not just a thought. It’s a vision. And as the famous quote says: “If you dream it you can make it.”

Shana Tova.