An Epidemic of Vandalism in Israel

The Passover holidays have come and gone. The country is gearing itself for Independence Day preceded by Holocaust Day and Rememberence Day for the Fallen in Israel's Wars. The Government is busy with the logistics of the future disengagement plan to withdraw from Gaza and to return the Gush Katif (Gaza) Israelis to Israel proper. The Israeli Army and the Police Force are involved in plans to prevent lawlessness and potential violence directed by these protesting, zealous settlers towards the authorities.

The kids were on vacation until the end of the Passover holidays. Their boredom was felt as many of them went on a rampage of national vandalism destroying and damaging everything in their path. People who have bought new cars this time of the year, will find their cars badly scratched wherever they park. Those who are less fortunate will also have their car badges removed. It does not matter where one parks in the city, one has to contend with this vandalism on a daily basis. After a hard day's work, one has to dig into one's pocket to have one's car repaired because of damage done.

There is no patrolling police officer in the street and the kids have a field day damaging and destroying public and private property in their path. This phenomenon becomes more widespread during school vacations. There is no way to prevent the vandalism that costs the country much money. Park benches are set alight or simply have the planks ripped off for use as firewood.

What has happened to much of Israel's youth? Drugs are becoming a severe problem amongst many of them. The age at which they start taking drugs and smoking nargileh pipes has decreased. Night clubs have become violent with youths stabbing each other with knives. Where are the parents? They are losing control over their offspring as the law protects them from corporal punishment. Each kid knows his "rights". He knows that he can do what he wishes without punishment. Educational standards and achievement are dropping in Israel at an alarming rate. Much of Israel's youth will soon be a lost generation. They have no direction or motivation apart from peer pressure to destroy and damage. Many of the youth do not even wish to serve in the army. This was unheard of a generation ago.

The 11^th Passover plague is the vandalism caused by much of Israel's youth. Perhaps if there would be police patrols in the cities keeping a watchful eye over the errant youths this vandalism could be brought under control.