Day 534 Of The War: “Why Aren’t You Listening To Us?”

Throughout my adult life, I have learned that healthy relationships between people should not drain your energy and time but should do the exact opposite. They should provide you with the strength to face important challenges in life. The same applies to my relationship with the state of Israel. While I love my country with all my heart and identify with the Declaration of Independence as it was written when our state was founded, I have grown alienated from the state as Netanyahu has shaped it. Since this last extremist government was elected, I have devoted all my time and energy to fighting its outrageous actions.

This past week, I spent four days struggling to reverse the Machiavellian course of the government and its coalition. My week began on Sunday morning (after spending Saturday night protesting under Begin Bridge) at the Families’ Headquarters. As Netanyahu has halted negotiations to bring back the hostages, even the most patient families have lost their tolerance. The returning hostages have quickly joined the struggle to bring back those still held captive instead of focusing on their personal healing process. This is because the callous government forces them to fight against its criminal abandonment of our hostages.

On Tuesday, I participated in a massive demonstration at Habima Square to save our democracy. All the speakers—except for one, Einav Zangauker—were esteemed retired leaders of the security establishment (police, Shin Bet, Mossad). Not all of them were trained or charismatic speakers, but they all stated the same truth: for years, Netanyahu has stopped abiding by the law. I only wish they had spoken out sooner.

On Wednesday, I volunteered at the Headquarters again. During my shift, I met an older couple, both of whom had been abducted by Hamas on October 7. She was released in November 2023, while he only recently returned. They were likely at the headquarters preparing to speak at several gatherings in the coming days. While it is important for them to share their testimonies and raise awareness about the horrors of captivity, it is unthinkable that this has to be their sole mission now.

Last night, I was at Habima Square again. It was encouraging to be part of such a massive and energetic demonstration, but it is infuriating that Netanyahu has taken control of our lives to the point where we have no personal time anymore—we can do nothing except protest.

At the rally in Hostage Square, released hostage Doron Steinberger spoke, expressing her anger toward those who believe it is acceptable to resume fighting in Gaza rather than prioritize the release of the hostages. “Why aren’t you listening to us?” she asked. What is happening here is unbearably cruel and unfathomable.