** TRIGGER WARNING ** (suicide, self-harm) *** “Yoni” didn’t question for one second that he had to serve in the Israeli military when he was 17 years old. And even once he was there, and suffering immensely, he couldn’t imagine the option of finding a way out. Today, he makes political graffiti art that aims to make 17 year old Israelis ask the question that he didn’t dare ask himself at the time: “Why did I enlist?”. This graffiti has become somewhat of an icon in the physical landscape of Israel, but no one really knows who’s behind it. This is his debut interview.  Check out bonus episodes on Patreon: ⁠https://bit.ly/47fLR8i⁠  ***  A few important disclaimers: This podcast is created and funded by me privately. I don’t belong to any organisation, 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. **** 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: Political blogs by: Yosi Gurvitz: https://friendsofgeorge.hahem.co.il/?page_id=290  Shalom Boguslavsky: https://www.facebook.com/TnyhtHmspryymWbwNdbrlZh/?locale=he_IL  Idan Landau: https://idanlandau.com/  Idan Landau on Twitter: https://twitter.com/idanlandau

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.

Alon Mizrahi, a working-class intellectual and freedom philosopher, shares his transformative journey from Zionism to embracing the Palestinian struggle. He examines the complex identity of Mizrahi Jews and the systemic inequalities they face. The discussion also reflects on dehumanizing aspects of conflict and personal encounters that challenge preconceived notions. Alon highlights the need for empathy and understanding, critiquing how cultural symbols can obscure harsh realities. His insights advocate for a broader perspective on freedom and human connection amidst societal challenges.

A profound journey unfolds as the speaker grapples with their upbringing in a Zionist environment and seeks truth about the Nakba. Through military training and extensive research, they confront the complexities of identity and personal beliefs. Struggles with authority and societal pressures shape their path towards activism. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and the quest for justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Personal anecdotes illuminate the challenge of maintaining relationships amid political tensions and the transformative power of empathy.

A young Ukrainian immigrant defies military service in Israel, sharing her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. She discusses the struggles of cultural identity in a diverse society and the challenges faced by Soviet Jewish immigrants. Personal encounters reshape her views on activism and compassion, leading to deep reflections on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Her work with at-risk youth emphasizes the importance of embracing one's truth amidst societal pressures. It's a poignant tale of rebellion, belonging, and transformative understanding.

Eran Markose, a healer dedicated to helping others cope with pain from violence, shares his profound insights on forgiveness and transformation. He delves into the emotional impacts of conflict and the importance of introspection as a pathway to healing. Eran discusses the complexities of identity, responsibility, and activism in a divided world. His unique perspective encourages listeners to see conflict as an opportunity for understanding, empathy, and personal growth, highlighting how embracing vulnerability can lead to deeper connections.

Odeliya, an advocate for the Naqab Bedouins and the Palestinian struggle, shares her transformative journey from growing up in a Jewish settlement to becoming a passionate activist. She reflects on the segregated community of Armon Ha’Natziv and her upbringing under a Zionist father. Topics include navigating complex identities, evolving from shyness to outspoken advocacy, and the critical role of community and optimism in fostering justice. Her insights inspire a deeper understanding of empathy across cultural divides.

Raised by a father who was heavily involved in the Israeli forces, Sharon was very motivated to serve in the military. But during his service in the West Bank, he realized something was very wrong. Today he doesn’t want to ever hold a gun again, but the process he went through took years. Listen to his story of becoming disillusioned. Sharon is an activist and a long-time friend of mine. And though he shares his name with a former leader of the Israeli government who has caused the Palestinian people a lot of pain, I ask that you try and give him a chance. He’s a talented artist and photographer who uses his medium to create change in his society’s perceptions. He is also a community organizer who spends every waking hour connecting between people, and leading spaces that use art and culture as tools for co-resistance. Check out bonus episodes on Patreon: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/47fLR8i⁠⁠  **** A few important disclaimers: 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. *** You can follow Sharon on Instagram at: Wearefree_studio You can contact me at @yehavit on Instagram (or write to yehavit@gmail if you’re not on Instagram). . Stuff we mentioned: Ahed Tamimi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJqH7_xYKi4&ab_channel=AJ%2B https://www.breakingthesilence.org.il/

Merphie grew up in a religious, Zionist home in Jerusalem. When she was a teenager, she discovered what the system doesn't want Israelis to know - that she and her family live on the ruins of Deir Yassin, a pre-1948 Palestinian village that had been massacred during the Nakba. This sent her on a long journey towards solidarity with the Palestinian struggle and ultimately the rejection of the Zionist regime and ideology.  Merphie worked for Breaking the Silence for 5 years and is currently a student and youth educator for the Forum for Regional Thinking. She has a special talent for advocating for the Palestinian struggle and has been doing it on several different fronts with grace, respect, and a sharp sense of justice.  Check out bonus episodes on Patreon: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/47fLR8i⁠⁠  **** A few important disclaimers: Anything and everything she said during the interview is her personal opinion and does not represent any organization she’s worked for. This podcast is created and funded by me privately. I don’t belong to any organization, nor does it represent anyone other than myself. In addition, 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. **** You can follow her on Twitter at: Merphie_B You can contact me at @yehavit on Instagram (or write to yehavit@gmail if you’re not on Instagram). . Stuff we mentioned: https://www.zochrot.org/welcome/index/en https://al-shabaka.org/en/ https://www.breakingthesilence.org.il/ https://www.regthink.org/en/