Discussion on resilience and mobilization in Israeli society during the ongoing war with Hamas. Highlighting the recent challenges in Jerusalem and the successes of a protest movement against judicial reform. Exploring the unity among different factions and the role of civil infrastructure. Insights into the extent of devastation caused by attacks, organizing support for affected communities, and the risks faced by civilians. Ways for North American Jews to offer vocal, financial, and political support for Israel.
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Quick takeaways
The mobilization of civil society in Israel showcases the resilience and ingenuity of Israeli society, highlighting the power of grassroots organizations and NGOs to address urgent needs and support those affected by the war.
The erosion of government support in Israel has necessitated the mobilization of civil society, with citizens stepping in to fill the gaps in services and aid. This trend reflects a growing awareness and engagement of Israeli citizens in shaping their society.
Deep dives
Mobilizing Civil Society to Support Israel
The ongoing conflict with Hamas has prompted the mobilization of civil society in Israel. Grassroots organizations and NGOs have stepped in to provide support and aid to those affected by the war, including evacuees, refugees, and the influx of army reservists. The magnitude of the attacks and the heavy toll on civilian life have prompted Israelis to set aside political differences and stand united. This collective effort highlights the resilience and ingenuity of Israeli society, showing the true meaning of patriotism and fighting for the betterment of one's country. While government support has fallen short in some areas, civil society has filled the void, utilizing the systems and networks established over the past ten months of anti-government protests to coordinate relief efforts and address urgent needs. The mobilization has also revealed the fragility of the government and the need for its better functioning in order to prevent future crises.
The Role of Civil Society and the Erosion of Government
The mobilization of civil society in Israel is a response to the erosion of government support and services over time. The constant chipping away at government-funded institutions and the reliance on NGOs and grassroots organizations have left gaps in the system, requiring citizens to step in and provide aid. This erosion has been exacerbated under the current government and its policies, which have prioritized specific political and economic interests over the needs of the people. However, this mobilization also indicates a growing awareness and engagement of Israeli citizens, who are becoming more suspicious of political machinations and more involved in shaping their society. The current crisis has further highlighted the importance of a strong and functioning government, while also showcasing the power and resilience of civil society to step in and make a difference.
Challenges of Mobilization and Support
The mobilization and support efforts in Israel face various challenges, including the need to regulate and coordinate supplies and aid to ensure effectiveness and avoid duplication. The unprecedented scale of mobilizing reserve soldiers and the increased connectivity with frontline troops have put strains on military supply chains and created a sense of urgency that may not always be properly calibrated. Additionally, the outpouring of support from both Israel's own citizens and international communities has led to a frenzy of assistance, with well-intentioned gestures sometimes falling short of meeting actual needs. The responsibility falls on regulating agencies to address and manage these challenges, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most and avoiding fraud or black-market opportunism. Collaboration between civil society organizations, governmental institutions, and concerned individuals is essential in navigating these complexities and providing meaningful support.
How to Support the Efforts
For North American Jews and those seeking to support the relief efforts in Israel, there are several ways to make a meaningful impact. First and foremost, expressing vocal support and condemning the targeting of civilians and atrocities committed during the conflict is crucial. Standing with Israel and rallying political and financial support are also important in helping the country navigate this crisis. It is recommended to reach out and partner with established Israeli organizations that can provide guidance on where support is most needed and how best to direct resources. Trusting reliable sources and being mindful of the evolving needs on the ground will ensure that assistance goes to the right places and contributes to the relief and recovery efforts.
Ten days into a brutal new reality, much of Israeli society has picked itself up from the shock of the initial attacks and quickly mobilized toward helping the war effort, from donating medical supplies to housing refugees whose homes were destroyed. In this week’s episode Yehuda Kurtzer speaks to Effie Shoham, professor of Medieval Jewish History at Ben Gurion University and leader of the recent protest movement in Jerusalem, Shomrim Al Habayit Hamishutaf. Since the start of the war, Shomrim Al Habayit’s communication platform for organizing mass protests against the judicial reform instantly pivoted to support the Israeli people, exemplifying civic resilience and ingenuity. Yehuda and Effie discuss the political strategy of civil organizing, how NGO’s and the government are working to meet the needs of the public, and how North American Jews can best support Israel in this moment.
