Individualized nationalism: national belonging in virtual memorial ceremonies during COVID-19 lockdown in Israel

This paper explores Israeli Memorial Day ceremonies during the COVID-19 lockdown, conducted online per state orders. These ceremonies constitute a productive cultural site to examine the deep currents that characterize late-modern nationalism, intensified and exposed by the coronavirus crisis. An analysis of 27 ceremonies revealed how the transition online introduced a new ceremonial experience and exposed an ambivalent relation toward the nation-state. We argue that these changes indicate a model of national belonging we call ‘individualized nationalism,’ which combines a deep commitment to the nation-state, on the one hand, and strong individualization processes, on the other. The mnemonic community at the basis of individualized nationalism is composed of distinct individuals whose solidarity with the state relies less on ecstatic experiences of togetherness and more on interpersonal distance, reflexivity, and online consumption of national sentiments.