Day 666 Of The War: The Hostages Are Not Prisoners Of War
Today I read that another peace activist—someone I like and respect—has left the country. For years, I’ve seen her at demonstrations, protests, and conferences. She has written extensively about peace and done everything within her power to promote a shared life with Palestinians, both inside Israel and in the West Bank.
With every announcement like this, and with every “relocation” sale I see advertised, my heart sinks lower. Having spent nearly 15 years of my adult life in the U.S., “relocation” (a euphemism for immigration) is not an option for me. At a time like this, I know I cannot jump ship—the troubles we face will follow me wherever I go. Besides, I’m well aware that almost every country has gone through a dark period that brings shame both to those who lived through it and to those who read about it in history books.
For me, as an Israeli and a Jew, the realization that I am a witness—and perhaps even a collaborator, simply by being here—to crimes committed against my will, during such a dark period, is almost unbearable. Although more than 70% of Israelis oppose the actions of this government, and although we protest as strongly as we can, our voices remain unheard. The hostages are still being tortured and starved by Hamas in Gaza. Our soldiers are losing their lives, and many are wounded—both in body and soul—fighting an endless war that has long since exhausted itself. Meanwhile, civilians in Gaza continue to be killed by the Israeli army and to die of hunger.
Last week, I worked three shifts at the Families Headquarters. The mood there is extremely bleak. Our government—which until recently referred to the hostages as “our hostages”—has started calling them “prisoners of war”. This is no coincidence. With this new Orwellian terminology, certain members of the government or coalition argue that the war must be “won” first—only then, they claim, will “terms for the release of prisoners of war” be discussed.
But as far as I know, civilians abducted from their homes in their pajamas on a quiet Shabbat morning on Simchat Torah are hostages.
As always, the despicable politicians in Israel are playing games with our minds—gaslighting us, trying to distort our perception of reality.
Back from the rally in Hostages Square. There were many thousands of people, and the square was so packed that I had to stand quite far back and watch the speakers on the screen. The event was especially sad and emotional. Over the past few days, we watched two heartbreaking videos of the starving hostages, Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, and tonight, we heard from their families on stage. There are no more words to describe the catastrophe we are witnessing in real time.
We will keep protesting
