Assaf David, Director of the Israel in the Middle East division at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute, shares his insights on the Israel-Palestine conflict. He reflects on his personal journey of disillusionment with mainstream narratives and embraces a deeper understanding of Palestinian perspectives. The conversation explores familial ties between Jews and Arabs, the shift from revenge to compassion, and the vital role of education in promoting dialogue. Assaf emphasizes the importance of diverse narratives and cultural appreciation in bridging divides.
The speaker's personal journey reveals a deep disillusionment with the Zionist narrative, highlighting the complex dynamics between Israelis and Palestinians.
Experiences of early settler violence and cultural displacement shape the speaker's evolving understanding of social inequality within Israeli society.
The establishment of the Forum for Regional Thinking exemplifies a commitment to fostering dialogue and empathy regarding Middle Eastern issues.
Deep dives
Personal Journey of Disillusionment
The speaker shares a personal journey of questioning the Zionist narrative they grew up with, reflecting on their upbringing in a settlement in the West Bank. This experience shaped their understanding of the complex dynamics between Israelis and Palestinians. Growing up in a family that originally moved for economic reasons rather than ideological ones, they describe how such motivations intertwined with their upbringing in a politically charged environment. The narrative uncovering their realization of the far-reaching implications of their surroundings represents a broader disillusionment many face regarding national identity and relations with Palestinians.
Witnessing Settler Violence
The speaker recounts instances from their youth where they observed settler violence, notably in their interactions with Palestinian communities. Activities like throwing rocks and taking wood from Palestinian land exemplify the normalization of aggressive behavior among settlers, despite having been downplayed or justified within their community. This acknowledgment of early violence contrasts sharply with the speaker's later understanding of the moral dimensions of such actions. The internalization of violence highlights a shift in perspective that occurred through reflection and education.
Encountering Class and Cultural Differences
Transitioning to a boarding school, the speaker faced new realities concerning class and cultural identity, particularly in relation to their Yemenite heritage. Growing up in a predominantly Ashkenazi environment made the speaker acutely aware of the discrimination experienced by those of Mizrahi descent. A specific incident involving a rejected essay underscores the educational barriers and contempt faced by students from Eastern origins. This experience marked a pivotal point in the speaker's understanding of social inequality within the larger Israeli society.
Shifting Perspectives Through Military Service and Trauma
Military service offered the speaker an opportunity to expand their worldview beyond Jewish supremacy and settler ideology. While working in intelligence, they encountered diverse perspectives, particularly upon surviving a suicide bombing incident that resulted in significant injury. The connection fostered with an Arab nurse during recovery highlighted the shared humanity that transcends conflict, prompting reflections on the cycle of violence and revenge. This transformative moment served as a catalyst for the speaker's ongoing quest to bridge divides and foster understanding across cultural lines.
Promoting Dialogue Through Regional Thinking
The establishment of the Forum for Regional Thinking represents the speaker's commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding of the Middle East and Palestinian issues among Israeli society. The initiative aims to disseminate information and engage in educational efforts that challenge entrenched narratives and promote empathy. Despite facing significant obstacles, including the prevailing mindset after recent violence, the forum continues to push for awareness and cultivation of relationships with Palestinians. This mission embodies a relentless pursuit of peace and the belief that understanding can pave the way for coexistence.
Dr. Assaf David is the Director of the Israel in the Middle East division at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute. He is also the co-founder of the Forum for Regional Thinking, a think tank of Israeli progressive Middle East scholars and activists. He teaches political science at the Hebrew University and has taught in the Department of Middle East Studies and the Department of Politics and Government at the Ben-Gurion University. Assaf's research focuses on Jordan, relations between the army and society in the Middle East, Arab public discourse, Israel’s place in the Middle East, and the Middle East as an academic discipline in Israel.
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
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You can contact me at @yehavit on Instagram (or write to yehavit@gmail if you’re not on Instagram).
