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Julie Russell

Dear Israelis – I Hope One Day You’ll Live in Peace

I remember vividly being in Israel on 7th October 2023, the day Hamas launched its devastating attack. I’ll never forget the two weeks that followed in Tel Aviv – days etched in my memory forever.

 That morning, I planned to start my day with a short leisurely walk, feeling rejuvenated after our previous day’s trip to the West Bank. Our Palestinian driver had shared his life story with us, offering a thoughtful, mostly positive perspective on his experience of living in Israel. The trip was eye-opening and emotionally exhausting, but it felt like what I assumed was a typical day in a complex region.

However, when I arrived in the hotel lobby that Saturday morning, everything changed. The receptionist’s blank expression and her calm yet firm words, telling me I couldn’t leave because Israel was under attack, sent a jolt of trepidation through me. The hotel manager explained briefly that an unforeseen attack happened during the night; a siren had sounded earlier but it seemed I slept through it. What had been a quiet normal morning for me suddenly became one filled with fear and uncertainty. I rushed to awaken my friend and share the shocking news.

The two weeks that followed were some of the most intense and unforgettable of my life, but this story isn’t about what we experienced; it’s about what Israel endures every day. One year later, I can’t help but feel that the world has moved on far too quickly, forgetting that this attack was part of a larger, ongoing existential threat to Israel.

Since that day, I’ve disagreed with several decisions made by Netanyahu’s government; I worry particularly about its handling of the hostage situation and the spiralling violence that ensues. I find the loss of innocent lives, both in Israel and Gaza, to be heartbreaking. The humanitarian toll on both sides is immense, and the world must not overlook this tragedy. Yet Israel remains in a nearly impossible position that has endured for so many decades now, forced to balance its survival with fierce criticism from international communities.

In the past year, every move, military, political or otherwise, has sparked controversy, further deepening divisions both within Israel and around the globe. It’s painful to see how this conflict is polarising communities, fuelling antisemitism, and fostering negative perceptions of the wider Muslim community as well.

 In the UK, it’s troubling how this complex and deeply tragic situation is often reduced to something akin to football rivalry. Support Israel? You must be a right-wing extremist or can be categorised simply as Jewish. Stand with Gaza? You’re ‘woke’, a left-wing extremist, marching with flags, joining protests and screaming offensive chants. Both camps include people who immerse themselves in the echo chamber of social media where dissenting voices are quickly drowned out.

Despite all this, I still stand with Israel. Not because I support every action, but because I acknowledge the very real ongoing existential threat that this tiny country faces – a reality that too many seem to have forgotten since that dark day in October.

 

Vigil Dizengoff Square 9th October 2023 credit TWS

It’s a painful and delicate situation, and my greatest hope is for a future where Israel can live in peace, without the constant fear of annihilation. On this day especially, my thoughts are with the people of Israel.

One day, not too distant from now, let there be peace.

About the Author
I am a former clinical microbiologist, now working as a qualified English Language teacher teaching English to refugees and migrants in London. I have travelled worldwide both for pleasure and as part of my former scientific role. I have lived in London for more than 30 years. I love to run and workout in the gym. I write these blogs with my best friend, Tom Waterton-Smith