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Gil Mildar
As the song says, a Latin American with no money in his pocket.

From the River to the Sea?

Personal Archive. Kibbutz Ein Hanatziv

In the tapestry of history, certain words resonate with a force that defies time. “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free” is one of those expressions, laden with deep meanings and implications. For Israel, this phrase is not just a slogan; it’s a reminder of a painful past and a challenge to our present and future.

Originating during the time of Israel’s War of Independence, this phrase was a call for Arabs to leave their homes, promising them a return after the defeat of the Jews. Far from mere rhetoric, it symbolized a clear intention to eradicate Israel, to “throw the Jews into the sea.” This intention was not a metaphor but a real and palpable threat.

Recent events, like those of October 7th, echo this historical threat. They remind us that the security of Israel can never be taken for granted. These acts are more than aggressions against individuals; they are attacks on the very idea of Israel, on our existence as a nation.

To my fellow Jews around the world, do not be mistaken: this phrase is steeped in anti-Semitism and poses a threat not just to Israel but to your existence in your own countries. It is a precursor of intolerance and hate that can seep into societies, affecting us all, no matter where we live.

Defending Israel goes beyond foreign policies or diplomacy; it’s a matter of survival. Every day of our existence is proof of our resilience and determination in facing those who deny our right to exist.

The phrase “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free” carries the weight of an ongoing threat to the existence of Israel. It serves as a constant reminder that our struggle for survival is permanent. It’s a call to vigilance and strength in defending our land and people.

Israel is more than a nation; it symbolizes perseverance and resistance. We emerged against all odds and continue to thrive. However, history teaches us never to let down our guard.

We remain united and resolute, always ready to defend our land, history, and right to exist in peace. The existence of Israel is a testament to courage and hope, a light that words of hate or threats cannot extinguish.

Israel’s struggle is symbolic of the fight for justice and truth. We face challenges not only on battlefields but also in ideas and narratives.

The phrase “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free” is often used without understanding its meaning. It reflects a one-sided view that ignores the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

We must challenge this narrative, offering a balanced perspective grounded in reality. Israel’s story is one of overcoming and commitment to peace and coexistence.

Our commitment to peace, however, should not be mistaken for weakness. We are prepared to defend our nation and our people with the same determination with which we seek peace.

True peace can only be achieved through mutual recognition and respect. The solution to the conflict does not lie in eliminating one side but in dialogue and understanding.

Israel, as a nation, has always sought peace, even in the face of threats and challenges. Our history is one of an unceasing quest for a future of coexistence and harmony.

The phrase “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free” should not be seen just as a threat but also as a call to reflect on the pursuit of a fair and lasting solution to the conflict.

As Israelis, we have the responsibility to tell our story, to share our narrative, and to defend our existence. We cannot allow history to be rewritten by those who deny our right to be.

Israel is not just a country on the map; it’s an idea, a realized dream, a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Our nation will continue flourishing, guided by freedom, democracy, justice, and peace.

You might be asking why this photo is essential. It’s to prompt you to question your “friends” who use this hateful phrase: where would they send this beautiful family, along with the other 9 million human beings living between the River and the Sea?

About the Author
As a Brazilian, Jewish, and humanist writer, I embody a rich cultural blend that influences my worldview and actions. Six years ago, I made the significant decision to move to Israel, a journey that not only connects me to my ancestral roots but also positions me as an active participant in an ongoing dialogue between the past, present, and future. My Latin American heritage and life in Israel have instilled a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and justice. Through my writing, I delve into themes of authoritarianism, memory, and resistance, aiming not just to reflect on history but to actively contribute to the shaping of a more just and equitable future. My work is an invitation for reflection and action, aspiring to advance human dignity above all.
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