Israelis indulge in nostalgia on eve of 60th anniversary

AS ISRAEL celebrates its 60th birthday, Israelis have their gaze set firmly backward.

Turn on the TV and you’ll see grainy archive footage and old-timers reminiscing about desert wars and pioneering days on the kibbutz. Radio stations are busy with musical retrospectives and the hottest new CD features contemporary singers covering Israeli favourites from decades past.

The love affair with the past comes at a time of unease — Israelis have much to be proud of but aren’t sure what they have to look forward to.