Identity/Crisis

Reflections on the Israeli Left

Nov 7, 2023

Exploring the contrasting responses to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the podcast delves into the differences between the Israeli left and the global left, the challenges in criticizing Israeli leadership during war, and the role of NGOs in addressing human rights violations. It also discusses the establishment of a Center for Shared Society at Hartman that aims to promote a stronger and more inclusive Israeli democracy.

53:27

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Quick takeaways

The Israeli left faces narrative challenges in articulating its vision to the global left, emphasizing the need for effective storytelling and countering misconceptions.

To move forward towards peace, a comprehensive vision that addresses the realities, risks, and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians is crucial, prioritizing political goals, human rights, and international alliances.

Efforts must focus on de-escalation, preventing violence, and strengthening relationships to build a shared society between Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel, emphasizing shared values, empathy, and human connection.

Deep dives

Israeli left and global left divergence

There has been a growing divergence between the Israeli left and the global left due to a combination of factors. One reason is the shrinking of the Israeli left, particularly after the second Intifada, leading to a perception of a lack of a Palestinian partner for peace. Another factor is the influence of post-colonial and intersectional theories that sometimes oversimplify the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Additionally, anti-Semitism plays a role, as some anti-Israel critics use it as a pretext for delegitimizing Israel. Despite these challenges, the Israeli left remains committed to peace, realism, and a two-state solution.

Introduction

3min

Divisions Within the Progressive Jewish Camp and the Israeli Left

2min

The Israeli Left: Realism and Moral Commitment

9min

The Complicated Agenda of Israeli Leftists

27min

Challenges in Criticizing Israeli Leadership During War and the Role of NGOs

6min

Building a Shared Society for Israeli Democracy

6min

Organizations and individuals throughout the world are responding to the October 7th massacre by Hamas, and Israel’s military response, in sharp and vociferous contrast with one another. While one camp mourns the atrocities by Hamas and pools resources to aid the IDF, the other rallies to decry the suffering of Palestinian civilians caught in the war’s crossfire. Few voices, it seems, give credence to both tragedies at once.

This week, Yehuda Kurtzer and Mickey Gitzin, Director of the New Israel Fund in Israel, consider how it’s possible to hold complexity during this time of intense polarization and the ways the political left in Israel differs starkly from progressivism globally. They explore the conflicting visions for the future of the region, the balance of criticism and solidarity, the state of shared society between Israelis and Palestinians, and the role of activists and NGOs like the New Israel Fund.

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about the New Israel Fund here.
In July 2021, Ben & Jerry’s bid its parent company not to sell its ice cream in the occupied territories.
Listen to our episode with Haviv Gur about the violence in the West Bank perpetrated by hilltop youth.

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Identity/Crisis

Reflections on the Israeli Left

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Israeli left and global left divergence

Challenges facing the pursuit of peace

The need for a comprehensive vision

Narrative challenges and the need for effective storytelling

Protecting shared society amidst vulnerability

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts