Haim Be'er, an Israeli author, believes that change is coming for Israel but fears he won't live to see it. He discusses the need for a shift in leadership, vision, and self-perception in the country. Be'er reflects on the Yom Kippur War, the failure of Zionism, and the rise of messianism in religious Zionism. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the limits of power and the need for generosity and wisdom in dealing with the Palestinian conflict. Despite his melancholy, Be'er holds onto hope for a better future.