Aharon - My journey from the Jewish settlement of Hebron

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Jun 11, 2024

Former resident of a West Bank settlement now active in crypto-currencies discusses his journey. Topics include family history, intersection of Zionism & Orthodox Judaism, narratives of Israel's existential threat, complex histories of Hebron, journey of transformation, challenging traditional beliefs, radical activism, advocating for peace in West Bank, navigating family dynamics, political tensions in Israel, and small acts for change.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Exploring Family Origins and Shifting Perspectives

01:46 • 2min

The Intersection of Zionism and Orthodox Judaism

04:11 • 7min

The Religious and Historical Narratives of Israel's Existential Threat

11:20 • 17min

Complex Histories and Conflicting Narratives in Hebron

28:21 • 20min

Journey of Transformation: Challenging Perspectives and Evolving Beliefs

48:36 • 21min

Challenging Traditional Narratives and Shifting Perspectives

01:09:21 • 11min

Exploring Radical Ideas and Activism

01:20:23 • 8min

Advocating for Peace and Protecting Palestinian Land

01:28:16 • 12min

Navigating Family Dynamics

01:40:30 • 6min

Navigating Political Tensions and Fear of Civil Conflict in Israel

01:46:18 • 4min

Continued Small Acts for Change and Gratitude

01:49:50 • 2min

Aharon grew up in a settlement in the West Bank, and has come a long way since. Today, he lives in Tel Aviv, writes and teaches about crypto-currencies and blockchain technologies as a means for change, and is currently completing his Master's degree in public policy at Tel Aviv University. Following the 2011 Israeli social justice protests, Aharon co-founded several cooperatives, and in the past few years has been participating in protective presence activity in the West Bank to aid Palestinian shepherds and farmers.

Check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Yehavit

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A few important disclaimers:

I created and funded this podcast 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

You can contact me at @yehavit on Instagram (or write to yehavit@gmail if you’re not on Instagram).

Stuff we mentioned:

Neturei Karta: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neturei_Karta

Rabbi Kook (the father): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Isaac_Kook

Rabbi Kook (the son): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zvi_Yehuda_Kook#:~:text=Zvi%20Yehuda%20Kook%20(Hebrew%3A%20%D7%A6%D7%91%D7%99,rabbi%20of%20British%20Mandatory%20Palestine.

1929 Hebron Massacre: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1929_Hebron_massacre

Prof. Hillel Cohen’s book about the 1929 Hebron Massacre (Hebrew): https://www.e-vrit.co.il/Product/2413/%D7%AA%D7%A8%D7%A4_%D7%98

Prof. Hillel Cohen’s book about the 1929 Hebron Massacre (Hebrew):

https://www.amazon.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict-Schusterman-Israel-Studies/dp/1611688116

The Cave of the Patriarchs or Tomb of the Patriarchs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_of_the_Patriarchs

Yossi Gurwitz’s blog: https://friendsofgeorge.hahem.co.il/

Idan’s Landau’s interview on this podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3hzZ7luwrgWpiobfe26vxz?si=30dd23268bb24d6b

Engaged Dharma: https://www.facebook.com/israeli.engaged.dharma/