Netanyahu doesn’t care if the protests block our road (he doesn’t really live here)

How life drives out nature. How peace becomes war, and tranquility dissent.

When they talk about real estate advertising, I have a few choice words for the Rechavia area and my particular side of it. Since I moved to the Jerusalem neighborhood nearly 18 months ago, I have, well… discovered the news. The news has come to me.

“What are they protesting about now” or “what has he [guess who] done now” are some of my grumpy refrains as I’ve walked up hills, done detours and lugged groceries far further than I planned. Let’s put it this way: protests are inconvenient. Not to mention downright irritating when they start at 22:30 just as I’ve turned in for the night.

Prior to October 7, 2023, I had happily ignored the country’s general state of affairs. Casual glances at the news resulted in mere bewilderment (has that changed), and I was mostly disinterested. Until I moved near Azza Street, the infamous road with one of the prime minister’s residences (I promise you… he doesn’t even live there).

And thus began my journey into Israel politics.

As I write this, I can hear protesters in a mosquito-like way. They’re slightly too far to be properly audible, but I can hear if I pause typing. And this brings me to the birds.

The road has been blocked since last Wednesday. No busses. No cars. No trucks. Nothing but chirruping birds and my meowing cats who are determined to catch said avian creatures. It is remarkably peaceful. It’s the eye of the storm.

And it makes me think… this country is so disunified. Our prime minister is obsessed with power. The government is become far-right faster than you can say those words.

As a South African, I’ve watched the protests with some curiosity. See, back in Africa, we don’t just stand and shout. We act. We throw tires, we set things alight, we cause havoc. And I hate to say it, but it achieves results.

Don’t get me wrong, I’d rather not have a fire burning down my street. But just maybe these protests aren’t achieving anything? Maybe? My philosopher’s brain doesn’t get the point of inconveniencing other citizens because trust me: it means nothing to Netanyahu if the road is blocked or traffic backed up for hours.

So, as the country goes downhill and I sadly walk uphill, perhaps we need to reassess the situation. I have no alternative at hand. I’m a philosopher, not a pragmatist — but this disaster needs to be stopped before it becomes a catastrophe. Although… I do like the birds.

Ultimately, my dear protesters, I do appreciate your cause and I do support most of it, but maybe it’s time to change?