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Nir Friedman
Defying Silence With Insight

We ignite the change

It’s been a year since October 7th, and I’ll be honest—nothing has gotten any better. Over 1,200 lives were lost that day, and more than 725 soldiers have been killed since, while a multifront war continues to unravel. The hostages, trapped in tight, unbreathable tunnels, serve as a painful reminder of the ongoing tragedy. Each day, the pain feels more pronounced, deepening the sense of despair. Yet, even in this bleak landscape, I still find flickers of optimism. So, I ask myself, what gives me hope amid all this darkness?

It’s simple. What gives me hope is the resilience this war has generated, fostering unity and activism.

To articulate this hope, I’ve narrowed it down to six topics, or “P’s,” that represent the pillars of our collective strength. Here they are:

  1. The People

Well this is obvious. Even with a broken heart shattered by 7/10, the heart of this movement are the people – ordinary citizens like me and you whose collective strength is a force to be reckoned with. United by shared trauma and aspirations, they are the voices woven together in a chorus of hope and resilience.

  1. Public Outcry

The public outcry reverberates like thunder in a quiet sky, a powerful reminder that silence is no longer an option. Every Saturday, The People drop everything to make their voices heard. From streets lined with people holding Israeli flags to social media posts, the demand for justice rings clear, echoing in the hearts of many. This uprising of voices transforms passive frustration into active engagement, illuminating the path towards change.

  1. The Protests

This is my favorite. The Protests have become a vibrant outcry of passion and purpose, where every race, gender, ideology come together to stand for the hostages. These gatherings, filled with chants, signs, and unwavering spirits, serve as a visual testament to the collective desire to demand Prime Minister Netanyahu to bring everyone home. Each protest, from Eilat to Caesarea, Yeruham to Haifa, is a pulse of democracy, reminding us that our voices matter and create pressure. We will ignite change to bring them home.

  1. The Polls

Polls are more than just numbers; they are a mirror reflecting the shifting tides of public sentiment. These polls not only capture current opinions but also shape the future, indicating the call to bring them home is louder than ever.

  1. The Persistence

Persistence is the quiet, unwavering heartbeat of a movement, echoing through the halls of history. The Hostage Families and the supporters’ persistent calls may seem ineffective, but it is relentless, shaping the landscape of change with each passing day. In the coming future, the protests and cries will succeed, proving that when we refuse to back down, progress is not just possible – it is inevitable.

  1. The Promise

And lastly, the promise of a better future glimmers like a distant star, guiding us through the darkness. We are the Jewish people, and we will persevere even when it seems hopeless. This better future fuels our aspirations and reminds us that hope is not just a word; it’s a powerful force driving us forward.

While it seems like nothing has gotten better and only worse, I’ve never felt more optimistic about the path ahead. The resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to justice demonstrated by countless individuals give me hope for a brighter future. Together, we will honor the memories of those we’ve lost and strive for a world where harmony prevail, reminding us that even in the darkest times, the light of hope can still shine through. It may seem impossible now, but as David Ben-Gurion once said, “in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles.”

About the Author
Nir Friedman is a 15-year-old boy who immigrated from Israel to Baltimore. His blog offers a unique perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and ongoing war. Nir delves into the complexities of the conflict, examines its impact on young people, and considers its implications for future generations.
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