In times of crisis, protests are a right and a duty

Recently, my friend Zippora said that Netanyahu has an interest in continuing the war. A few sentences later she said that she is not comfortable demonstrating while soldiers are risking their lives. I fail to understand how a shrewd businesswoman does not grasp the gap between the two statements, and a priori gives up the only means at her disposal to act against a government that she distrusts. Does she not understand that when she adopts “this is not the time” while for the government this is exactly the time, all the time, she is enabling it to act as it pleases, without limits, in every field?

A relative whose windows are shaken by protests explains her sitting at home thus: the government is bad and the police are violent, but the protesters are not okay, for example, they light fires on the road. Let us agree that fires are violent, illegal, and downright wrong. But you are convinced that the war continues in order to ensure the survival of the coalition while causing Israel irreparable harm. What is more violent, battles or bonfires? Moreover, 64 parliamentarians elected in what seems like pre-historic times continue sticking their hands into our dwindling pockets as if nothing has changed, and we are powerless to resist. What is more wrong, such robbery or curses, even ugly ones, directed at the Prime Minister and his wife?

I respect that after his retirement from a senior position, an acquaintance decided not to speak out on public matters. Although he opposed the legislative “reform,” he stuck to his decision. Now, knowing that he still has some influence and anxious about Israel’s future, he maintains his silence. What’s the worst that can happen? You might be deemed a “nudnik?” So what.

His wife often asks what can be done, but does not join demonstrations or contribute money to them because it has not been proven that they help. The less scientifically minded among us will claim that the masses who demonstrated from January to October 2023 stopped the judicial overhaul (which is currently entering through the back door, but that’s another story).

To this, supporters of the government will answer: If this is true, look how many protested then, and how few now – here is proof that the public supports us! Hence my answer to the person who explained that her daughter represents her in the protests, and to a new immigrant to Israel who claims that it doesn’t matter if an elderly individual like him stands outside, as no one counts him anyway: It definitely matters! It’s not for nothing that there are arguments about the actual size of protests.

Polls show that a growing majority of the public opposes the government, but this is not reflected on the streets. No wonder: we are drained. Most of us devote what energy remains to getting up in the morning and surviving until night, hoping that we will be able to fall asleep. It seems that the government understands this aspect of human nature, and builds on it.

Perhaps that is why the Book of Exodus noted the opposite phenomenon. In response to decrees in Egypt, it was written about our ancestors: as they torment them, so shall they multiply and spread. It is comforting to know that resisting a bad regime is embedded in our genes.

I long ago realized that in order to maintain good relations with my nearest and dearest who hold opposing opinions, it is better to avoid arguments – no good will come of it. Recently, my habit of circumventing disagreements took a surprising turn. I understood that there is no point in pressuring someone who complains about the situation but refuses to act.

Instead of a conversation, I will send them this article, in the hope that they will read it carefully, think about it, and do what they must.