Exploring the Connection Between Loneliness, Social Disconnection, and Political Polarization. The Recent Upheaval in Israel, a Case Study.

Community stands as a cornerstone of human identity, especially within Israeli society and Jewish culture. Recent crises in the family and nation have paralleled challenges facing communities. This paper seeks to investigate the intricate connection between loneliness, social disconnection, and political polarization within the context of recent upheaval in Israel. Communities serve as vital reference groups in an individual's development, bridging the gap between the family and the larger national identity. As individuals mature, these communities become indispensable in preserving cultural heritage and navigating life's complexities. However, as communities disintegrate in post-modern society, a regression to lower common denominators occurs as people seek a sense of belonging to cling to. These denominators can be either national identities or large ideological camps. This paper argues that such large and detached groups can foster exclusion and amplify extremist voices, resulting in polarization. The reason is that individuals require more direct, community-level feedback to understand the consequences of their actions and adapt, rather than relying solely on symbols and broad national/ideological definitions. Smaller communities with tight-knit bonds and short feedback loops encourage personal responsibility and cooperation. They link actions and consequences clearly, fostering moderation and personal growth. This paper aims to explore the connection between loneliness, social disconnection, and political polarization, using recent Israeli upheaval as a case study. We will examine how communities mitigate polarization and foster cooperation, identity, and meaning. Our goal is to provide insights and strategies for promoting social cohesion and political moderation in an increasingly polarized world.