Arnon, a former Israeli Air Force intelligence officer turned educator and eco-therapist, shares his profound journey from military service to peace advocacy. He reflects on the psychological toll of ethical dilemmas faced during operations in Gaza and the West Bank. Arnon discusses the normalized violence stemming from his Kibbutz upbringing and addresses the complexities of transitioning to civilian life. He emphasizes the importance of compassion in fostering coexistence and healing amidst ongoing conflict, highlighting personal stories of resilience and connection.
Arnon's journey reflects a profound questioning of the traditional Zionist narrative, revealing the complexities of identity and moral responsibility in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Through his military experiences and the observation of collateral damage, Arnon highlights the emotional toll of service on individuals and the cyclical nature of violence.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of collaborative initiatives like Combatants for Peace, fostering empathy and nonviolent communication between Israelis and Palestinians toward sustainable solutions.
Deep dives
Questioning the Zionist Narrative
The podcast emphasizes the personal journey of questioning the traditional Zionist narrative held by many Israelis. One key figure, Arnon, reflects on his upbringing in a kibbutz established by his grandparents, where he discovered a hidden underground arms factory supporting militant groups. This history prompts him to ponder the legitimacy of violence used by both sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It highlights the complexities of viewing these actions through a lens of oppression and resistance, revealing how narratives can be conflicting depending on one's perspective.
Military Experience and Moral Conflict
Arnon narrates his military service as an aerial surveillance operator in the Israeli Air Force, during which he participated in targeted assassinations within Gaza. Initially believing in the necessity of these operations for Israeli security, he experiences moral dilemmas as he witnesses the collateral damage inflicted on innocent civilians. His reflections reveal a troubling realization about the ongoing cycle of violence and the inability to eliminate ideologies through violent means. The podcast underscores the emotional toll this service takes on individuals who are expected to compartmentalize their actions as part of their duty.
Transformative Encounters with Palestinians
The discussion includes Arnon's evolving understanding of Palestinian experiences, especially during his encounters in joint initiatives with Palestinians post-military service. His narrative encourages deeper exploration of the human side of the Palestinian struggle, fostering empathy through shared stories. He reflects on the chilling realities experienced by people in Gaza, particularly as they live under siege and are subjected to military action. This exploration serves as a call for recognizing the shared humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians amid ongoing conflict.
The Role of Peace Movements and Nonviolence
The podcast highlights the significance of organizations like Combatants for Peace, which bring together former combatants and activists from both sides to pursue nonviolent solutions. Arnon's involvement with such groups illustrates the challenges and potential for understanding between Israelis and Palestinians, emphasizing the power of communication and cooperation. He articulates the difficulties faced in these collaborations, particularly the labels of normalization that often accompany them. The need for compassionate engagement, rather than binary views of oppressor and oppressed, becomes a central theme in seeking sustainable peace.
Parental Concerns and Future Aspirations
The conversation concludes with Arnon expressing his concerns about raising his son in a militaristic society that glorifies military service. He reflects on the difficulty of navigating a life intertwined with violence while striving to instill values that promote peace and understanding. His search for educational alternatives highlights the internal conflict of wanting a different future while being tied to the harsh realities of Israeli society. This poignant reflection underscores the broader implications of personal choices in the quest for a peaceful coexistence for future generations.
Arnon served in the Israeli Air Force intelligence unit which was operating in Gaza during the early 2000s. A few years later, once the war with Lebanon broke out, he decided to stop serving in the military. Throughout the years he was active in different joint initiatives with Palestinians and other groups, and today works as an educator in a kindergarten and as an eco-therapist. Arnon is constantly in search of ways to liberate himself and others from the many systems of oppression that are linked together for himself and for generations to come.
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
You can contact me at @yehavit on Instagram (or write to yehavit@gmail if you’re not on Instagram).
