I hesitated before writing this.

With so much suffering in the world this week, speaking about Israel may seem almost inappropriate.

France mourns the victims of a deadly heatwave. Zimbabwean migrants have once again found themselves searching for food, shelter and safety after violence in South Africa. Venezuela struggles to recover from a devastating earthquake. Wars continue to destroy lives, families and communities.

At first glance, these are unrelated stories.

As I reflected on them, however, I realized they were all asking the same question.

What makes a good society?

I believe the answer begins with the leaders we choose.

Not leaders measured by opinion polls or election victories, but by whether they leave society stronger, more resilient and more united than they found it.

France reminds us that even prosperous societies remain vulnerable. An aging population, extreme temperatures and the quiet isolation of many elderly people combined to produce heartbreaking loss. Wealth alone could not prevent tragedy. Responsible leaders prepare before disaster strikes. They invest in resilient infrastructure, strengthen healthcare systems and ensure the most vulnerable are not forgotten when the next crisis inevitably arrives.

Southern Africa presents a different challenge.

Thousands of Zimbabweans who fled economic collapse have again found themselves displaced by violence. Yet millions of South Africans themselves continue to live in townships and informal settlements, trapped by poverty, unemployment, crime and failing public services. When hope disappears, frustration is too easily directed towards those perceived to be outsiders.

Good leadership refuses to allow one vulnerable community to become the enemy of another. It confronts poverty honestly while preserving the dignity of every human being.

In Venezuela, nature reminded us of its devastating power. Buildings collapsed within seconds. Families waited desperately as rescue workers........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)