1/ A personal note. I am an Israeli Jew. I have been consistently critical of my country's policies and actions with regard to its occupation of Palestinian territories and its punitive war in Gaza. Doing so, I remain an Israeli Jew. I have no other country or place. --->
2/ I don't call for or believe in the dissolution of Israel. I realize that ongoing violent suppression is a prominent element of Israel's core. I will do all I can to change this. I think it can be changed. The initial requirement for me is acknowledgement by Israelis. --->
3/ I have written extensively about the historical and current evils of the occupation. I have criticized the Israeli offensive on Gaza from day one. I believe Israel has spiraled out of control and is showing some of its true colors as a result. This breaks my heart. --->
4/ I believe this can change. I believe it, I suppose, because this is my home. Accepting criticism regarding the foundations of my home does not amount to calling for its demolition as far as I am concerned. Israel will change, or it will drive itself into expiration. --->
5/ I believe in restoring Palestinian rights, including the right of return. I also believe in respectful, equitable cooperation as the only way to make this happen. I understand the inevitable violence of the struggle on both sides. I oppose this violence. --->
6/ This is, for me, a remarkably difficult time. My difficulties pale before the suffering of the Gazans and Palestinians in general. The immediate evils of this "war" must stop - the starvation, the bombings, the inhuman treatment. I know and say this as an Israeli Jew. --->
7/ I post to share the lessons I learn about the zombification of my society in real time. I post to reflect on the truths I am learning about my Israeliness, truths I have engaged with before but was privileged enough not to have seared into my mind. Now they are seared . --->
8/ I would like to thank everyone who reads and responds. I welcome your thoughts and am happy to talk and think. I appreciate your time and consideration. This "war" must end. Palestine must be free. Israel must take responsibility for its actions in order to change profoundly.
@ori_goldberg I want to say free Israelis as well ✌🏽
@ori_goldberg That there are Israeli voices like yours is cause for hope that a better, more reflective & compassionate Israel might be possible in the future. What Israel has become feels to me like a betrayal of Jewish thought & the Jewish thinkers I love, read & write about.
@ori_goldberg Ori, you come across as a deeply critical and humane mind and I would suggest that more people follow you and engage with you, in good faith. Thanks for your honest and brave reflections considering the hostile political climate in Israel at the moment.
@ori_goldberg Happy to read your words as there is no other way: Change must come from within. Imagine one just free state acknowledging everyone's right to exist. Imagine driving from Cairo to Jerusalem in a day. Our region deserves real peace as we are all drained and angry. Let's dream!
@ori_goldberg I am far, andam not Jewish but I find your posts deeply human and hopeful. As an outsider, who am I to weigh in on all this. Nonetheless, as an American whose tax dollars funnel into this awful war, I find your position the only moral Israeli position. Thank you for your courage.