It's my turn to remember our shared humanity

“ I continue to believe this is the only way to form a better future for us in this country. To remember our shared humanity. For them, as for me, these are the only rays of light through this fog. Finding the connection despite all the violence, is our only way out. “

Hearing the fear and pain of his Palestinian friends and colleagues, LIEL MAGHEN finds it’s possible to feel solidarity with both sides.

Since the horrifying events of October 7, we have been living in the fog of pain and trauma. The air is blurry, and heavy, with no visibility of what the path ahead is holding for us. The public sphere has changed and relationships have been transformed dramatically.

With Israeli friends, I saw the impact of the destruction in their villages and see others working hard to release the hostages.

Terrible news continued to arrive with more bodies identified, including well-known peace builder Vivian Silver. Within this pain and with the ongoing criticism of Israel from around the world, I have also seen Israeli society harnessed in support for each other. Somehow, out of the horrors, Israeli society has shown solidarity on various levels, slowly taking steps towards dealing with the impact and forge a path out of this crisis. Volunteering, supporting, fundraising – the Israeli public and the Jewish diaspora have generated mutual hope in these harsh days.

But over the month that has passed, the public sphere for my Palestinian partners and colleagues has been completely changed into one of fear and uncertainty.