陳亮穎 Erin Chen
The term "coexistence" perfectly encapsulates the emotions I experienced during my 12 days in Israel. Before our journey, Irit told us that Israel is a country where history and the present coexist, and during the evening we met with the Ambassador to Israel, she also described Israel as a place where "the past and the present coexist." However, I believe that beyond the static coexistence and the coexistence on the timeline, what truly amazed me is the dynamic balance of coexistence in this land of Israel.
The coexistence of the past and the present, the coexistence of pain and hope, the coexistence of self-driving cars and micro-transportation, the coexistence of nature and the urban landscape, the coexistence of work and life—each instance showcases the astounding power of "Between the gap.....is the opportunity!" as Assaf said.
Throughout my time in Israel, I witnessed the seamless integration of these diverse elements into a cohesive whole, showcasing the power of coexistence. It is not just about coexisting in a static manner; it is about thriving in a dynamic state of harmony and growth.
Assaf's words, "Between the gap.....is opportunity!", perfectly capture the essence of Israel—a nation that embraces the challenges and opportunities presented by its rich history, its progressive vision, and its unwavering determination to create a better world. The coexistence of these various facets is what makes Israel an awe-inspiring and captivating place.
The coexistence of the past and the present
You'll hear statements like, "This stone dates back three thousand years," "This church dates back four thousand years," "This sewer system was built two thousand years ago," and similar ones as you walk around Jerusalem. The name "Israel" is the youngest thing in the entire country, dating back only 75 years. However, travelers can see a peek of the future of environmentally friendly transportation when strolling through Jerusalem's historic streets, where electric-powered light rail is currently in operation. Visitors can view breathtaking light and sound shows on old stone walls that clearly portray Israel's struggles and hopes, spanning from ancient times to the present day.
Before departing for Israel, I had imagined a country surrounded by all sorts of
futuristic technologies, with keywords like "Startup Nation," "Drip Irrigation Technology," and "Lunar Missions" shaping my expectations. I thought I would see an amplified version of "Xinyi District" or "Hsinchu Science and Industrial Park." However, what I encountered was a blend of "Tainan Confucian Temple," "Xinyi District," and "Hsinchu Science Park."
Though it is undeniably one of the world's forefronts in technology, Israel has never abandoned its historical roots while moving forward. The nearly four-thousand-year old Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the almost three-thousand-year-old Old City of Jerusalem, and the two-thousand-year-old underground tunnels of the City of David coexist harmoniously in this city, alongside advanced technology. Moreover, the people of Israel not only invest tremendous efforts in preserving and conserving this history, but they also utilize technology to bring history alive in the present. Whether it's the City of David's underground projection show that our guide showed us or the chance encounter with a historical wall's light display while strolling through the streets of Jerusalem at night, the people of Israel employ technology to bridge the gap between the past and the present.
The Coexistence of Pain and Hope
"When you're a child, don't ask so many questions." "It's too complicated! You'll understand when you grow up!"
These were the responses I received when, as a young elementary school student, I first came across the term "White Terror" in a book and asked adults what it meant. At that age, perhaps it was reasonable not to be familiar with such historical events. However, after leaving the Holocaust Memorial Museum, I asked myself, "What was the cause and consequence of the 228 Incident? What impact did it have on subsequent events?" Shockingly, I found that my understanding of the 228 Incident was still only partial.
The shape of the Holocaust Memorial Museum resembles a torn Star of David. The glass peak on top represents both the despair left by God and the hope that arises from desperate situations. As soon as you enter the museum, you can hear the Israeli national anthem, which children sang even before the establishment of the country. The museum meticulously preserves the pain, tears, and stories of the Holocaust through written records, images, and architectural design, while inspiring visitors in many ways.
"Do not forget them." At the end of the museum, there is a wall adorned with photos and names of the victims. Once again, I felt the enormity of the number of deceased, just as I did when I saw numerous posthumous photos in Anne Frank's diary as a child. But why showcase these photos? On one side of the wall of victim photos, there is a door that is not yet open to the public. I saw a sign on the door saying "Opening soon," and below it was an explanation about the area: "This area includes the names and photos of all the deceased in the Holocaust. Anyone can see their family members who perished in this massacre. " "Do not forget them. "
"We will not forget them." Inside the museum, there were not only many tourists but also many students and young Israeli soldiers visiting. I asked the tour guide, "Why are there so many soldiers here?" The guide replied, "Israeli soldiers have to come here, and students often have study tours to this place." During the workshop, I asked the guide, "When do Israeli adults talk to children about the Holocaust? Is it avoided?" The guide said, "Schools start teaching about it from the age of 8, and adults talk to children about the Holocaust as well, so they can learn not to repeat the mistakes." From daily life to education, from memorials days to museums, the Israelis ensure that the memory of the Holocaust does not fade away in the course of history. Every aspect of the event, including each victim's face, will not be forgotten. Although it is a deeply touching pain, the Israelis choose to face the wounds and move toward a future full of hope with fearlessness and wisdom.
In comparison, Taiwanese people often adopt an attitude of "the past is the past" when it comes to historical events, and these events are sometimes even used as tools for political manipulation. After leaving the Holocaust Memorial Museum, I kept asking myself how much I really know about Taiwan's history. What can we learn from the wounds of the past? Can we, like the Israelis, discuss historical pain not from the perspective of "blaming someone" but from the standpoint of "what can we learn?"
Next spring, I will be going to Korea University for an exchange program. One of the main reasons I chose Korea University was to understand how Koreans approach historical events such as the "Gwangju Uprising" and the "Jeju 4.3 Incident." After visiting the Holocaust Memorial Museum and learning about the Jewish people's attitude toward pain, I believe it will inspire my understanding of the histories of Korea, Taiwan, and other countries in the future. I also look forward to comparing the stories of Israel, Korea, and Taiwan when I return to Taiwan from Korea and making new discoveries.
The Coexistence of Self-Driving Cars and Micro-Mobility
I first noticed the presence of electric scooters in Tel Aviv on the second day of our business visits when I saw several office workers calmly riding or parking their scooters at the office. In Taiwan, bicycles are not allowed inside office buildings, and riding electric scooters on roads is still illegal. Therefore, the sight of people "riding electric scooters into office buildings" was something that caught my attention as it is impossible to witness such a scene in Taiwan. From that point on, I started to observe the differences in transportation networks between Tel Aviv and Taipei.
In May 2011, Tel Aviv initiated a bike-sharing program as part of its effort to become a low-carbon city and promote green transportation. In 2018, shared electric scooters were also introduced to the city, further contributing to the development of a green transportation network.
The second target of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 is to "provide safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems for all." To achieve this, reducing the number of private cars and promoting transportation change are crucial. Decreasing the number of private cars will lead to a reduction in overall carbon emissions from vehicles. However, to achieve this, there must be convenient and accessible public transportation options and micro-mobility alternatives available for people to switch to.
According to Taiwan's Sustainable Development Committee, the third key issue in sustainable transportation development is the establishment of a green transportation network integrating "walking, cycling, and public transportation." When looking at Tel Aviv from this perspective, I noticed that the city has many aspects related to the use of bicycles that Taiwan could learn from and emulate.
In Tel Aviv, I could clearly feel the bicycle- and scooter-friendly atmosphere. Many roads have well-planned lanes dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists, allowing them to safely travel without competing with cars. Especially along the coastal roads, even with just three lanes, there are separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists. When walking on the streets, I also observed that most drivers would stop when pedestrians crossed the intersections, regardless of whether it was a red light or green light for the pedestrians.
Due to the interesting phenomenon of electric scooters being prevalent everywhere,
my friends and I decided to try riding Lime scooters one morning. Lime's starting price is 5 shekels, followed by 1 shekel per minute. Riding a Lime scooter along the bike paths surrounding the Mediterranean Sea was the most enjoyable and comfortable riding experience I've had in my life. With cars stopping at intersections and smooth and continuous bike lanes, the beautiful Mediterranean scenery made the ride not just a mode of transportation but also an enjoyable experience. Furthermore, Lime automatically locks the scooter when entering pedestrian-only areas, ensuring the safety of pedestrians and protecting the rider's wallet also. After experiencing this ride, I fully understood why electric scooters are so popular in Tel Aviv.
In contrast, when riding in Taipei, I often feel like a deer in the headlights due to the lack of continuous bike lanes and sometimes have no choice but to ride on narrow roads alongside cars. In recent years, there have been discussions in Taiwan about the rights of pedestrians, stating that the streets are not pedestrian-friendly and even referred to as pedestrian hell. Although most of my long-distance travel in Israel was done by tour bus, I felt at ease when moving short distances (three to five kilometers) as I could always travel on designated lanes without worrying about cars coming from behind or vehicles speeding up at intersections.
Whether it's national planning or the city's sustainable development process, establishing a green transportation network is crucial. When we advocate for "net-zero carbon emissions by 2050," have we truly implemented enough measures to achieve this goal? According to the "Speed and Scale" book, by 2050, we should reduce the current global CO2 emissions of 8 billion tons to 2 billion tons. Given Taiwan's current transportation policies, regulations, and environment, do we have the qualifications to advocate for "net-zero carbon emissions by 2050"? Even in Taipei, where public transportation is well developed, have our micro-mobility options fully adapted to short-distance travel between homes, schools, and metro stations? Can we, like Tel Aviv, have more diverse, effortless, and convenient micro-mobility options? Can we have continuous bike lanes without having to compete with cars on the road? Can we smoothly move around the city even without a car?
After returning home, I saw a quote from Tel Aviv residents in a Washington Post interview: "Private car is not the king." When will our roads not be dominated by private cars and allow cars, bicycles (or other micro-mobility alternatives), and pedestrians to coexist harmoniously on the roads?
The Coexistence of Nature and Urban Life
The Sacher Park (סאקר גן(, located less than 20 minutes' walk from the Western Wall, serves as the green lung of Jerusalem's city center, offering healing and relaxation to both adults and children. Whether in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or Tiberias, flowers are one
of the most common elements found in Israeli cities, adding vibrant colors to the urban landscape. In Israel, there is no need to travel far to connect with nature, even though over 60% of the country's land is covered by desert. It is astonishing that in Israel, one can constantly feel surrounded by greenery.
In comparison, despite Taiwan's abundant rainfall, the green cover in its six major cities accounts for only 5%. How much effort does it take for Taiwanese people to immerse themselves in nature?
This comparison highlights the differences between Israel and Taiwan in terms of environmental protection and green development. Israel has made significant progress in preserving nature and urban planning, encouraging urban greening, and creating parks to provide residents with more leisure spaces. On the other hand, Taiwan, despite its rich natural resources, has experienced rapid urban development, often neglecting the protection and integration of nature.
Taiwan can learn from Israel's experience and place greater emphasis on the coexistence of nature and urban life. Strengthening urban greening, promoting park construction, and optimizing urban planning are essential measures for protecting nature and improving residents' quality of life. Only when cities and nature harmoniously coexist can people truly appreciate the beauty of ecology and the environment, and enjoy a healthier and more livable urban life.
The Coexistence of Work and Life
On the second night in Jerusalem, we met a pianist named Assaf on the street, and he promised to play Jay Chou's "稻香(Dao Xiang)" together on the street the following night. True to his word, Assaf showed up on the third night, and after our demonstration, he quickly learned "稻香(Dao Xiang)." Together, we successfully brought "稻香(Dao Xiang)" to the streets of Jerusalem. These two nights spent with Assaf showed me the vibrant and relaxed nightlife of Jerusalem. The piano was just placed on a street near the hotel, and throughout the night, people continuously gathered around to sing and play along with the music. Strangers came together and sang joyfully in unison, all because of the presence of a piano on the street.
Even though it wasn't a holiday, and these people presumably had work or study commitments, the joyous atmosphere on the streets of Jerusalem reminded me of my experiences walking on the streets of Taipei. On regular weekdays, people in Taipei are usually seen hurrying to their destinations, either carrying work briefcases or school backpacks, rarely pausing or lingering for anything just for fun. With work and studies occupying so much of our time, do we still have the leisure and serenity to stop, sit by a street piano, and enjoy music in Taipei?
I do not know the backgrounds of those people who gathered around the piano in Jerusalem, but I witnessed Israelis fully relaxing and recharging in the evenings. Many of us are constantly preoccupied with academic or work-related concerns, even during the nights or weekends. This constant state of work-related stress can be overwhelming and detrimental to our well-being. Learning how to switch to "off-duty mode," paying more attention to the beautiful things in life, and maintaining a balance between work and leisure are essential.
Perhaps this is the happiness secret that we can learn from the Israelis - the ability to find joy and relaxation in daily life, to be present in the moment, and to appreciate the little things around us. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it is essential to create moments of tranquility and enjoyment to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Conclusion
In the 2023 World Happiness Report released by the United Nations, Israel ranked fourth globally and first in Asia. After visiting Israel, I completely understand why it is considered the happiest country in Asia. Israel manages to achieve balance in various aspects. Not only does it possess a moderate climate, but Israel also harmonizes the past and future successfully.
I am grateful to JTCA and National Taiwan University for allowing us to become "the chosen ones" and come to "the promised land." The greatest gift I have received in my life is undoubtedly this trip to Israel. This journey has not only broadened my horizons and prompted me to contemplate previously unexplored matters, but it has also given me a new perspective on Taiwan. I have always believed in the saying, "Onlookers see more than players." Though the trip was only 12 days, it was enough to switch my perspective on interacting with Taiwan, making me clearer about the direction of my future efforts.
This trip to Israel is a gift from JTCA and National Taiwan University, and I hope that the nourishment I have gained from this journey can also become a gift I give back to Taiwan in the future!
