Take Israel as an economic model

COULD I be so bold as to suggest that Ireland could do worse than take a leaf out of Israel’s book in terms of economic policy?

Israel is one of the few countries weathering the recession with relative ease and this may have something to do with the fact that it seems to be far less susceptible to the sort of blockheaded myopia that has blighted our own country for far too long.

During the Celtic Tiger, the Irish had more money than sense whereas for most of Israel’s existence, the Israelis have had more sense than money.

Instead of sinking money into property and money-juggling investment banking firms, the Israelis have based their economy on the solid and sound foundations of indigenous, well-capitalised high technology companies that work closely with universities and research institutes.

This creates an environment that has allowed Israel to take a world-leading position in a number of arenas, such as aerospace technology, advanced irrigation systems, medical devices and solar energy.

Science featured strongly in the foundation of the state of Israel, something which is underlined by the fact that its first president, Dr Chaim Weizmann, was an accomplished professor of organic chemistry. The resulting knowledge-based economy has enabled Israel to prosper despite its lack of natural resources and the fact that it conducts relatively little trade with its nearest neighbours.

I would like to propose that instead of boycotting Israel, Ireland should do exactly the opposite and increase trade with this nation populated by intelligent and technically-minded individuals who could help lift us out of our economic predicament.

In increasing ties with Israel, we can also become more involved in finding solutions to the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict. Israel listens seriously to countries that it has close links with such as the US, Canada and Germany, but is somewhat less attentive to what Venezuela and Iran have to say.

It’s fair to say there is room for improvement in how Israelis and Palestinians treat each other, but this can be ameliorated over time through reasoned discussion rather than berating Israel morning, noon and night.

Ciarán Cleary

Tyndall National Institute

Lee Maltings

Cork