Some Israelis are taking a stand against the war in Gaza, and how.
Even as Israel enters the 28th day in the ongoing conflict against Hamas that has already claimed the lives of 1800 people, mostly Palestinians and children, there are some Israeli citizens who have maintained resistance to their government's offensive in Gaza. This small and scattered, but also headstrong group of Israeli nationals are providing a bold opposition to the otherwise largely supportive and complacent population.
"This is our way of protesting the war," shares D. (name withheld on request), an Israeli who can't find a moral agreement to the war. "A way to say that we are not part of this so-called consensus."
And even as the Israeli law enforcement discourages these gatherings of solidarity, the peace activists have taken their protests online, oscillating between platforms. Through online blogs, social media posts and tweets, they attempt to have their voice heard; to convey the message that as citizens of a democracy, they do not provide consent to the war. Hashtags such as #NotInMyName and #NotAllJews are being used to unite those trying to be a voice of reason in this otherwise state of anger, hate and turmoil.
The situation, of course, is far more complicated than what meets the eye. The fact remains that the common Israeli remains under threat from Hamas, but people such as D. refuse to use this as an excuse to justify violence in Gaza and the West Bank. "When you are part of a society that lives in conflict for so long, you tend to develop certain psychological patterns to help justify your actions," explains D. who works in Tel Aviv with vulnerable youth in the region. "A lot of Israelis are made to feel that there is no other choice. For instance, there are many who are okay with children dying as casualties of war, because they believe it was something that needed to be done considering Hamas uses them as human shields," he elaborates.
(Image: Reuters)
Another small group of about 50 former Israeli soldiers refused to join the army reserve in protest of the war, the Washington Post had reported late last month. The conscientious objectors as they are called, have made countless rounds in jail, refusing to join the Israel Defence Force (IDF) against the innocent. "In Israel, war is not merely politics by other means — it replaces politics. Israel is no longer able to think about a solution to a political conflict except in terms of physical might; no wonder it is prone to the never-ending cycle of mortal violence. And when the cannons fire, no criticism may be heard," writes Yael Even Or in the Washington Post.
Not anti-Israel, just anti-war
Despite their opposition, these Israeli peace activists aren't against their country. They continue to love their country just as much as those who back their government's offensive in Gaza.
However, those like D. and his friends find themselves outnumbered, and often at the receiving end of a lot of hate. "Every time there is a conflict such as this, it's a given assumption that if you are with one group, you must be against the other. Why is it hard to imagine that one could support the Palestinians' right to a country as well as respect the Israel's sovereign state?" D frequently asks those who criticise his lack of support to the Gaza attacks.
Still, those urging for a dialogue over the deadly war, are at the center of a lot of hate - from being referred to as "self-hating Jews" to being called "Arab-loving Leftists". "When did loving another people become a bad thing?" questions D. It seems to have become politically correct to hate leftists, he concurs.
"Contest of suffering"
But even if it may seem that the lines are drawn sharp and clear, things aren't black and white. "A ceasefire will be eventually drawn, " he predicts. "However, it will change little, except maybe the amount of suffering will reduce. But it also won't be long before violence occurs," he adds with a sigh.
Many of the peace activists comprehend the complicity of the volatile situation around them far better. The truth is that Israelis are suffering too. "It is difficult to live your life normally when rockets are fired at you all the time," shares D. "But people look at Gaza because their suffering and pain is far more. And sadly this is turning into some sort of a contest of suffering, another psychological defense perhaps, that whoever suffers more, wins the right to stay."
WATCH: [Video] UN spokesperson breaks down in tears on camera after Gaza school bombing
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