As a former IDF soldier and historian of genocide, I was deeply disturbed by my recent visit to Israel
Sep 13, 2024
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Omer Bartov, a former IDF soldier and historian of genocide, shares his poignant reflections on a recent visit to Israel, where he faced protests reflecting troubling historical parallels. He discusses the moral complexities of current Israeli society amid the ongoing conflict and the unsettling mindset of students and soldiers justifying violence. Bartov also critiques the emotional turmoil surrounding Gaza, emphasizing the need for empathy, and contemplates missed chances for reconciliation during the Oslo peace process. His insights provoke deep thought on the implications of history and the quest for coexistence.
The protest against the speaker's lecture reflects the intense polarization within Israeli society regarding military actions and ethics.
The speaker explores how historical narratives of victimization in Israel contribute to a cycle of violence against Palestinians.
Deep dives
Protests at Ben-Gurion University
A scheduled lecture at Ben-Gurion University faced significant disruption when a group of students protested against it, claiming it was aligned with views they deemed unacceptable. Initial communication about the lecture was spread via WhatsApp, leading to mobilization among students who questioned the speaker's past statements on the Israeli government's actions and alleged apartheid. The speaker, a former IDF soldier and genocide historian, intended to discuss the legitimacy of ongoing campus protests against Israel, but was instead met with opposition. This confrontation not only highlighted the polarized views on the subject at the university but also reflected broader societal divisions within Israel regarding its military actions and policies.
Personal Reflections on Military Service
The speaker's military background deeply influences his perspective, having served in the IDF during pivotal conflicts, including the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Through personal experiences in Gaza, he witnessed the severe conditions faced by Palestinian refugees, which shaped his understanding of the consequences of occupation and military force. His academic pursuits have also led him to explore the motivations and psychology of soldiers, particularly regarding their moral justifications for combat. This introspection reveals a struggle between commitment to national causes versus the ethical implications of actions taken in their name.
Shift in Israeli Public Sentiment
The aftermath of Hamas's attacks in October 2023 has led to a significant emotional and psychological shift in Israeli society, where fear and anger dominate the public consciousness. Many citizens now exhibit a profound distrust of political solutions or diplomatic engagement, fearing that such avenues could compromise their security. The overwhelming sentiment calls for a military response, reflecting a perception that security and existence take precedence over ethical considerations and empathy for the Palestinian population. This radicalization in public sentiment poses serious challenges to peace efforts and indicates a troubling trend toward perpetual conflict.
Echoes of Historical Trauma
The parallels drawn between contemporary Israeli military rhetoric and historical narratives around victimization reveal a troubling justification for violence against Palestinians. Comparisons to the Holocaust and Nazi Germany's ideologies are invoked to legitimize harsh military actions, reinforcing a victimhood mindset that categorizes Palestinians as existential threats. The speaker emphasizes how such rhetoric fosters a cycle of violence, with civilians on both sides suffering due to entrenched beliefs and traumas. Examining these dynamics is crucial for understanding the societal undercurrents that prevent reconciliation and perpetuate cycles of bloodshed and vengeance.
This summer, one of my lectures was protested by far-right students. Their rhetoric brought to mind some of the darkest moments of 20th-century history – and overlapped with mainstream Israeli views to a shocking degree. By Omer Bartov. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
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