Tel Aviv, CNN – The peace movement in Israel is facing challenges in the wake of the recent terrorist attack carried out by Hamas militants. Human rights activist Ziv Stahl, who lost her sister-in-law and several peace activists in the attack, has expressed her complicated position on Israel’s war in Gaza. While she supports Israel’s right to defend itself, she believes it should not come at the cost of thousands of Palestinian lives. Stahl’s stance reflects the struggle of Jewish Israelis who have dedicated their lives to coexistence with Palestinians but now find themselves torn between the cycle of violence and the security needs of their own people.
In the midst of Palestinian solidarity protests in the West, Israeli leftists, peace activists, and human rights advocates are finding it difficult to voice their opinions on a permanent ceasefire. Anti-war protests have been heavily restricted, and activists claim that authorities are equating peace activism with support for Hamas. In this climate, a group of young Israelis has formed an anti-war group called “Gen Zayin” (Gen Z), advocating for a two-state solution. However, they fear backlash from Israeli public opinion and feel abandoned by parts of the Western leftist movement, which they see as advocating for the abolition of the Israeli state.
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Expressing sympathy for Palestinians in Israel can lead to severe consequences, such as losing one’s job or facing public sanctions. Lawmaker Ofer Cassif was suspended for 45 days for criticizing the Israeli government’s handling of the situation. Journalist Israel Frey was doxed and chased out of his home by far-right extremists after expressing sympathy for both Israeli and Palestinian victims. Despite the risks, some peace activists, like Maoz Inon, who lost his parents in the attack, continue to advocate for peace.
The grief and trauma caused by the recent attack have led to increased divisions between Israelis and Palestinians. Israeli American Elana Kaminka, whose son was killed defending a training base, acknowledges the difficulty of understanding the occupation and the demonization of both sides. She believes that if Israelis truly understood the consequences of the occupation, their opinions would be different.
The challenges faced by the peace movement in Israel highlight the complex and deeply rooted issues that need to be addressed in order to achieve lasting peace in the region. As the conflict continues, voices advocating for a peaceful resolution may face increasing difficulties in a politically polarized environment.
