By Justine Hemmestad
Governor Reynolds said, “Iowa is recognized as one of the best states to live, work, and raise a family because we rely on common sense and respect the people we serve. We are on a path to being number one, and we are showing the country that small states can do big things.”
There is much more that makes a state happy, regardless of size and world opinion; there are intricacies like opportunity, family, and kindness.
Globally, even amid war and government discord, Israel is ranked as the 8th happiest nation (down from 5th last year), out of 140 countries. This, post Hamas invasion and slaughter of October 7, 2023 that triggered the ongoing war.
Forward also notes that Israel’s 8th place ranking occurs, “in a year when tourism is down 71%, and some 80,000 Israelis left the country.”
The United States, as a whole, is ranked 24th happiest country, its lowest ranking ever.
And though sirens blared over the weekend in central Israel as the Houthis launched a ballistic missile from Yemen, the IDF intercepted the missile before it entered Israeli airspace.
Truly, feeling safe is an aspect of happiness. Purpose is another - both are intrinsic to Israel, regardless of the sector. The Nameless One notes how safe Israel is for children, as most communities are very family friendly and family oriented.
“There is a sense of past and future anchored on Jewish history, culture, and faith. People care about their roots and family story; for the most part we don't feel disconnected from our past, and therefore most people will have an understanding of why we are here in this country and what the vision for the future is.”
He also knows that Israelis
are curious people - learning and discovery are certainly part of fulfillment, which in turn leads to happiness.
“People are allowed to be nonconformists and no one will be too harsh on them,” he says.
The Nameless One also reiterates a major life lesson when he says that Israelis are permitted to fail, and “sometimes even encouraged to try and fail.”
In that regard, he says, “It's not a big deal if someone fails in his initiatives, there is a lot of room for trial and error and people don't make a big deal of it if someone fails, we want to have success and success only comes from those who failed multiple times.”
With such acceptance, there would naturally be a more optimistic outlook.
And he says that having many friends, big families, and strong social ties are very important for Israelis. “People live close enough to their parents or family members.”
He adds, “Social ties are an important predictor for happiness,” especially given how small the country is.
By contrast, one fifth of young adults worldwide say they have no reliable social support.
Forward also says, “Taxes pay for health care and education, taking those worries off the table. It is a free society, where you can do and say what you want and love whom you love, and where people, no matter what else is happening, still like to go out and have a good time.”
And regardless of some political discourse, given the societal connections it’s not as easy as it is in America to sink into polarization.
These things would certainly even place Israel higher in the ranking, though the placement also focuses on wealth/finances, “which puts Israel in a bit lower place than perhaps it should be.”
Possibly comparable to “Iowa nice,” the Nameless One says that Israelis are very relaxed, accessible, and unofficial, “calling each other “Akhi,” my brother, or “Akhoti,” my sister,” even to someone who may otherwise be a complete stranger. He makes the point that Arabs receive the same regard. Everyone is willing to help out.”
Studies show that believing in the kindness of others is much more closely tied to happiness than previously thought.
“Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth — it’s about trust, connection and knowing people have your back,” said Jon Clifton, the CEO of Gallup. “If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other.”
The Nameless One does say however that, “Israelis agree on many issues yet sadly it's hard to turn it to a functioning coalition with a clear agenda that actually works for the majority of the Jewish Zionist majority (that means 80-85% of Jewish Israelis).”
Forward adds that for Israelis, “overcoming life’s challenges is its own gratification…[Israel] remains high on the list because its citizens come together under unimaginable hardship.”
Afghanistan remains last on the list.
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