The Israeli press paid tribute to Nelson Mandela today, Dec. 6, in much the same manner as other media outlets around the world, recounting his lifelong struggle and achievements. The Israeli news site Ynet republished extracts of his autobiography, recently translated into Hebrew. What was missing, though, was any mention of the complex relations that existed between Mandela and Israel.
Perhaps the Israeli editors felt that the time was not right for such an analysis. Grief takes over all other sentiments, as it should, especially when it comes to Mandela — a personal hero to us all. Having been posted in South Africa as an Israeli journalist for over two years, following the evolution of the new nation, I believe that this relationship, with all its various tones and shades, make up a part of Mandela's heritage and a lesson not to be forgotten.