Disillusioned

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.

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.

Entrepreneur Katie discusses her journey from academia to activism, grappling with identity, beliefs, and moral dilemmas. She reflects on her Jewish heritage, military service, and deep connection to Israel, emphasizing the complexities of power dynamics, conflict resolution, and the pursuit of a just society.

Idan Landau, a political blogger and professor at Tel Aviv University, shares his journey as a conscientious objector in the IDF. He discusses the moral complexities of military service, emphasizing his awakening to social justice issues shaped by his upbringing. The conversation highlights the impact of occupation on Palestinian society and the importance of empathy. Idan also addresses the emotional challenges faced by those who refuse service and the chilling effects of political shaming in academia, advocating for critical media literacy and ethical dialogue.

Ita Segev, a Jerusalem-born writer and performance artist living in NYC, shares her journey of transformation and identity. She discusses the interplay between her experience as a trans woman and Palestinian liberation, aiming to dismantle dehumanizing narratives. Ita reflects on trauma from her military service and how her Jewish heritage shaped her activism. Returning to Israel during COVID allowed her to reconnect with her roots and redefine her fight for justice, embracing love and solidarity in the face of conflict.

Uri was born in Tel Aviv and worked as a journalist, history teacher, and gardener. In his twenties, he was one of the founders of a political movement called "Anarchists against the Wall", which was active at the beginning of the 2000s. He’s been living in Portugal for the past 16 years and holds a special place in his heart for the topics of food autonomy and education. 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: Tanya Reinhart : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanya_Reinhart  Anarchists Against the Wall: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarchists_Against_the_Wall  Video about the demonstration: https://youtu.be/99hiJpLhCzQ  Matzpen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matzpen  Tamera: https://www.tamera.org/ 

** 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.