Odeliya, an advocate for the Naqab Bedouins and the Palestinian struggle, shares her transformative journey from growing up in a Jewish settlement to becoming a passionate activist. She reflects on the segregated community of Armon Ha’Natziv and her upbringing under a Zionist father. Topics include navigating complex identities, evolving from shyness to outspoken advocacy, and the critical role of community and optimism in fostering justice. Her insights inspire a deeper understanding of empathy across cultural divides.
Odeliya's upbringing in a segregated environment shaped her initial ignorance about Palestinian realities, highlighting the impact of cultural division on identity formation.
Her family’s contrasting ideologies, particularly her mother’s advocacy for equality and her father’s Zionism, influenced Odelia’s journey toward empathy and social justice.
Through her military service, Odelia discovered the importance of critical thinking and activism, prompting her commitment to challenge ideological indoctrination and advocate for Palestinian rights.
Deep dives
Questioning Identity and Upbringing
A deep exploration of identity is presented through Odelia’s reflections on her upbringing in East Jerusalem, where she lived in close proximity to Palestinian communities yet had little understanding of their reality. She describes the stark segregation she experienced as a child and how her initial ignorance was shaped by her environment, where Jewish and Palestinian spaces were divided by a literal hedge. Odelia recalls moments of connection with Palestinian families, facilitated by a friend, highlighting her awakening to the complex socio-political landscape surrounding her. This internal conflict fueled her journey from naivety about her identity's implications to recognition of the systemic injustices affecting her neighbors.
Influential Family Background
Odelia's family significantly shaped her worldview, illustrating a critical balance between opposing ideologies within her household. Her mother, a pioneering feminist rabbi, and her father, a business-oriented man turned dedicated shepherd and tour guide, provide contrasting perspectives on Zionism and social justice. This duality influenced Odelia’s own path, allowing her to challenge inherited beliefs while appreciating the depth of her parents' experiences. The podcast reveals that while her father's Zionism deeply affected her upbringing, her mother's advocacy for equality instilled in her a sense of empathy for the broader human struggle.
Military Experience and Personal Growth
Odelia candidly shares her experiences in the Israeli military, particularly in an educational role, where she quietly grappled with the ideological teachings she was forced to impart. Despite feeling trapped within a system she disagreed with, she found ways to subtly introduce a more balanced view of complex topics, including the human cost of war. Her journey through the military taught her the importance of critical thought amidst indoctrination, and she acknowledged her discomfort with the honorifics and traditions demanded by the military. This period catalyzed her activism as she recognized that her role was not just to comply but to challenge and question the narratives presented to her.
Realization Through Activism
Odelia's pivotal moment of realization came during her travels, particularly when she volunteered in refugee camps in Europe, where she met individuals fleeing humanitarian crises. This experience not only opened her eyes to the dire circumstances faced by many but also made her reconsider her own privilege and position as an Israeli. A significant encounter with a Palestinian man named Mustafa underscored the shared humanity between Israelis and Palestinians, shattering her previous conceptions about the conflict. Through activism, she has become an advocate for co-existence and equality, seeking to address the complex grievances that historically separate these communities.
Navigating Identity and Responsibility
The podcast delves into Odelia's struggle with her identity as both Israeli and a supporter of Palestinian rights, addressing how these seemingly conflicting identities can coexist. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and taking responsibility for her citizenship in a state that perpetuates systemic oppression. Odelia critiques the misinterpretation of Zionism that often conflates Jewish identity with political ideology, urging a re-evaluation of what it means to be Israeli in today's socio-political climate. Her reflections reveal a powerful commitment to fostering dialogue and support for Palestinian liberation while embracing her diverse heritage as a source of strength rather than shame.
Odeliya grew up in the Jewish neighborhood of Armon Ha’Natziv, which is according to international law an illegal settlement. Her father, a firm believer in Zionism, taught her how to use the art of debate - which is why she’s now such a good advocate for the rights of the Naqab (Negev) Bedouins, and the Palestinian struggle at large.
Odeliya is one of my biggest inspirations; she is currently getting her bachelor's degree in media studies, worked up until recently in the Negev (Naqab) forum for civil equality, and teaches groups of teenagers about the political context we live in and how to understand systemic violence. I know every demonstration she joins will be filled with joy no matter what since she has her own special way of doing everything in life with a smile. She is a free spirit working relentlessly so that everyone else can be free as well. And with that, I hope you enjoy this episode.
This podcast is created and funded by me privately. I don’t belong to any organization, nor does it represent anyone other than myself.
Secondly, I don’t intend this content to provide a justification or excuse for the actions people interviewed did in their past, but rather to learn from their personal experiences and gain insight as to what the process of transformation looks like. Certain parts of the episode could be triggering for you, and I advise taking into consideration that some of the events discussed are morally and ethically challenging (to say the least).
And lastly:
I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which I work as the indigenous people of this country, and pay my respects to their elders, past and emerging.
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You can contact Odeliya via Instagram at: @oddiematter
You can contact me at @yehavit on Instagram (or write to yehavit@gmail if you’re not on Instagram).