Despite the immense grief experienced by families affected by Hamas’s recent attack, some are urging against revenge on Gaza. Kibbutz Be’eri, a cherished corner of paradise located in the northwestern Negev desert, was a peaceful community thriving with avocado groves and fields of crops. However, on October 7th, Hamas launched an unprecedented incursion into Israeli territory, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, including approximately 100 residents of Be’eri. Among the victims was Vivian Silver, a 74-year-old Canadian-born peace activist and founding member of the Israeli-Palestinian Women Wage Peace movement.
Silver, along with other Israeli and Palestinian women, had been advocating for a peaceful, women-led solution to the conflict. They had embarked on a march from Jerusalem, symbolically gathering around a negotiation table at the shores of the Dead Sea. Their efforts aimed to foster an agreement that both sides could support. However, just three days later, Hamas fighters breached the fence separating Israel and Gaza, targeting border areas that were historically leftist strongholds advocating for peace.
In the aftermath of the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate and launched a relentless bombing campaign and ground invasion. Tragically, this offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 11,500 Palestinians, including over 4,700 children. Despite the widespread support for Israel’s actions, some bereaved Israelis are rejecting the notion of using their losses to justify revenge on the people of Gaza. One grieving relative, Yonatan Zeigen, stated, “Israel won’t cure our dead babies by killing more babies.”
Vivian Silver, known for her efforts to drive sick Palestinians from the Gaza border to Israeli hospitals, believed in the power of human encounters and sought to foster dialogue and understanding between communities. Her son, Yonatan, emphasized the importance of peace in countering resistance, stating that force is not the solution. However, individual efforts to build bridges often clash with the security-focused approach of the Israeli government.
The Gaza Strip, often described as an “open-air prison,” has been home to approximately 2.3 million Palestinians living under severe economic and movement restrictions for nearly two decades. Medical care is also limited, with over 20,000 patient requests denied by Israel in 2022 alone. The ongoing conflict traces back to the mass exodus of Palestinians during the 1948 war that followed the creation of Israel, known as the Nakba or “catastrophe.” The competing claims to the land and failed attempts at a two-state solution have fueled an intractable conflict.
Udi Goren, a photographer and activist, previously offered dual narrative tours of the region to promote understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. However, the recent hostilities have put tourism on hold, and Goren’s own family has been affected by the conflict. His cousin, Tal Haimi, was taken captive during the ongoing violence. Goren expressed his concern over the continuation of the war, emphasizing the need for major agreements and hope for Gazans to prevent the return of Hamas.
Rachel Goldberg-Polin, speaking on behalf of families with captives held by Hamas, delivered a powerful message at the United Nations. She stressed that cycles of violence only lead to suffering and called for humanity to prevail over hatred. Goldberg-Polin’s son, Hersh, was among those abducted during the attack. She described him as a compassionate individual with a love for travel, music, and a fervent anti-racist. Despite her grief, she acknowledged the need for dialogue and the rejection of atrocities committed by any side.
The Israeli-Gaza conflict continues to ravage lives and communities, leaving innocent civilians trapped in a cycle of violence and revenge. While some advocate for peace and dialogue, others believe in a more forceful approach. The future remains uncertain, but there are those who strive for a society that can work for everyone, transcending fear and embracing understanding.
