In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Israel, Jewish peace activists are grappling with their role in the country’s ongoing conflict with Hamas. Ziv Stahl, the executive director of the human rights organization Yesh Din, experienced first-hand the horror of the attack when her sister-in-law and several peace activists were murdered by Hamas militants in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Stahl, while acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself, believes that the Israeli government should not use indiscriminate force that results in the loss of Palestinian lives.
However, peace activists in Israel face numerous challenges. Authorities have attempted to equate peace activism with support for Hamas, making it difficult for anti-war protests to receive permits. Additionally, Jewish Israelis who express sympathy for Palestinians can face repercussions, such as losing their jobs or being publicly sanctioned. Some activists feel abandoned by parts of the Western leftist movement, who they believe advocate for the abolition of the Israeli state.
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Despite these challenges, some activists are determined to advocate for peace. The newly-formed anti-war group “Gen Zayin” is comprised of young Israelis who passionately support a two-state solution and believe that peace is the only way to create a just and equal society. They face opposition from the majority of the Jewish population, but they continue to spread their message through posters and pamphlets.
For Maoz Inon, a peace activist who lost his parents in the recent attack, advocating for peace is a way to prevent others from becoming victims. Elana Kaminka, an Israeli American, used to buy vegetables from a Palestinian village near the Green Line but has since become more cautious due to the loss of her son in the conflict. She believes that if Israelis truly understood the realities of the occupation, their opinions would be different.
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, the voices of Jewish peace activists become increasingly important. Despite facing challenges and opposition, they remain committed to advocating for peace and a two-state solution in the region.
