Day 541 Of The War: No More Words Please

In two weeks, we will be sitting together for the Passover Seder; it will be the second one since October 7. The most heartbreaking fact is that 59 hostages are still in Gaza, and we have no idea when they will be set free. Since October 7, countless words have been spoken and written, pleading and demanding the return of the innocent hostages who were kidnapped from within the borders of their country. They endure torture and hunger and have not been seen by the Red Cross for 541 days.

Yes, in response, Israel waged war, and many innocent people in Gaza have been killed and wounded. Thus, the vicious cycle that began on October 7 continues, with no end in sight.

On Thursday night, I knew I wanted to attend the large and important demonstration at Habima, organized by former and retired officials of our security forces. But earlier that day, I drove with a friend to Ein Harod in the Jezreel Valley to see the exhibition Hapilug (“The Division”), which addresses a traumatic period in Israel’s history.

In the early 1950s, different factions within the kibbutzim aligned themselves with different political parties, causing a deep rift. Many within the kibbutzim, which had traditionally been attached to the socialist movement and the Soviet Union, were appalled by Stalin’s actions and chose to follow Ben-Gurion as he aligned Israel with the West. This ideological crisis tragically tore families apart and ruined the lives of children who could not understand what had happened. This exhibition is especially important now, as Israel faces an existential crisis once again.

Last Thursday at Habima, I stood with tens of thousands of people, listening to senior former officials of our security forces. What they said about Netanyahu and his government was extremely worrisome.

On Saturday, there was another large and poignant demonstration at Habima, focused on the urgent issue of the hostages. It ended with a procession to Begin. But this time, I felt that we needed to find a better way than just talking. Perhaps those who sit in silent protest, dressed in white, know something deeper that I have yet to understand.