The Opinions M. Gessen and Michelle Goldberg on How to Resist
11 snips
Dec 9, 2025 
M. Gessen, an accomplished journalist focusing on authoritarianism, and Michelle Goldberg, a keen observer of social movements, dive deep into the moral imperative of resistance. They explore the bravery of Israeli dissidents and grassroots organizers in the U.S. protesting ICE enforcement. Discussing the balance between local actions and larger movements, they question the effectiveness of small-scale resistance. Both emphasize the role of community in activism while grappling with the personal thresholds for leaving one's homeland when protests feel futile.
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Moral Cost Trumps Personal Risk
- Some people act because the psychic cost of moral compromise exceeds the cost of doing something risky.
- Masha Gessen observes that people tolerate being "a mess" while refusing to live with betrayal of their values.
Leaving To Refuse Military Service
- Jonathan Dekel moved to New York to avoid serving in the Israeli military after reporting for reserve duty on October 7th.
- He described being simultaneously at peace and not at peace about actions done in his name.
Neighbors Confronting ICE
- Elizabeth Castillo began honking and tailing ICE vehicles after raids in her building stirred fury.
- Her action grew into neighborhood organizing as others joined and coordinated warnings.
