Yuval - Opposing the Israeli Occupation in Germany
Mar 26, 2023
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Yuval Gal Cohen, a conscientious objector and feminist human rights activist, shares her journey from military refusal to activism in Germany. She discusses her upbringing, emphasizing the complexities of her beliefs about feminism and Zionism. The conversation dives into the emotional challenges of opting out of military service and the support networks for Israeli objectors. Yuval reflects on her identity as a woman of color and the intricacies of navigating leftist activism in Germany, highlighting the importance of solidarity and understanding in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Yuval's upbringing in a politically conscious family profoundly influenced her activism and understanding of social justice and feminism.
Her journey involved a significant shift in viewing Zionism from a positive narrative to recognizing its implications on Palestinian lives.
Yuval's involvement in the Leipzig anti-occupation group highlights the need for solidarity and shared narratives among Israelis and Palestinians.
Deep dives
The Journey of Activism
The discussion highlights the personal journey of Yuval, a conscientious objector from Israel, who grew up in a politically aware family. Her mother was involved in the Women's anti-occupation organization, Women in Black, influencing Yuval's early exposure to activism and political consciousness. As a child, Yuval participated in demonstrations, learning the importance of fighting against oppression and advocating for social justice. This foundational upbringing shaped her views on feminism, human rights, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, compelling her to take a stand against military service.
Understanding Zionism and Its Impact
Yuval discusses how her understanding of Zionism evolved from a positive national narrative taught in her upbringing to a realization of its implications on Palestinian lives. Initially, she viewed Zionism as a benevolent ideology, but her experiences abroad and engagement with Palestinian voices framed it as a political agenda rooted in colonization. This shift allowed her to comprehend the oppressive structures inherent in the Zionist project and recognize the need for accountability among those identifying as Zionists. The dialogue reveals her struggle with the complexity of her identity as an Israeli while exposing the consequences of Zionism on marginalized communities.
Activism in a New Environment
After moving to Leipzig, Germany, Yuval became actively involved in local activism and joined the anti-occupation group ‘YID’ for Jewish-Israeli dissenters. This group works to create spaces for Israelis who oppose the occupation, allowing them to share their narratives and collaborate with Palestinian organizations. Yuval emphasizes the importance of standing against the Israeli state’s actions while recognizing the privileges that come with her identity. Her participation in the Leipzig activism scene also highlighted the supportive communities available to those who share her views, providing an emotional refuge away from the complexities of her homeland.
The Power of Conscientious Objection
Misharvot, a movement initiated to support military objectors in Israel, plays a significant role in Yuval's activism, offering resources and community for those refusing military service based on political beliefs. Concerns surrounding the mental and emotional challenges faced by young activists, when confronted with societal pressures to serve in the military, are addressed. The movement not only empowers objectors to stand against the system but also brings awareness to the repercussions of their decisions. Yuval draws inspiration from the courage shown by the youth who choose to prioritize their moral beliefs over societal expectations.
Connecting Across Cultures
The episode ultimately conveys Yuval's desire to foster understanding between Israelis and Palestinians, emphasizing the shared struggles faced by these groups despite political divides. Living in Germany provides her a unique perspective, allowing her to engage with people from various backgrounds and histories while amplifying collective narratives of resistance. By acknowledging the complexities of her identity and the role of activism in bridging cultural gaps, Yuval demonstrates a commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at ending the occupation. Her journey signifies an evolving understanding of place and perspective, rooted in the belief in justice and shared humanity.
Yuval Gal Cohen is a conscientious objector who refused to serve in the Israeli military, a feminist human rights activist, and a singer. She's 27 years old and currently living in Leipzig, Germany, where she co-initiated JID, a local group of Anti-occupation Israeli activists. Join our conversation about all that and more.
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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Thank you Roy Geva for the soundtrack.
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You can contact me at @yehavit on Instagram (or write to yehavit@gmail if you’re not on Instagram).