Born into a family of Holocaust survivors, I’ve forever been sensitive to the historical precarity of Jewish life. Year after year, my parents brought me to the annual Israel Day Parades, where I joined swaths of other young Jewish children proudly marching and waving the Israeli flag.
I never would have guessed that decades later I would find myself waving that same flag, but on Kaplan Street in Tel Aviv, chanting in defense of Israel’s democracy. And while the democracy movement animated my wish to join the marches, no one anticipated the role these demonstrations would play after the massacres and kidnappings of October 7.
The divide that surfaced between the crowds on Kaplan Street – those centrists and leftists who support democracy and prioritize the hostages’ release, are in stark contrast to the Prime Minister’s coalition on the right, including the settler movement, as they pursue an elusive military victory at any cost. For me, it is second nature to support the families of those with loved ones held captive in Gaza, doubling down on our efforts to “Bring Them Home.” It is imperative, from my perspective, that we all stand with the peace advocates who fight tirelessly, seeking a better future – far away as that feels today. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis take to the streets in protest and I continually search for ways to support their efforts.
Now, we approach the first anniversary of October 7. In the long and grueling history of our people, October 7 is another day for the Jewish world to pause, to bear witness, to mourn and to reflect on our priorities – a Jewish and democratic Israel that values life. I will continue demonstrating in defense of these values. I will continue to persevere and move forward with purpose, conviction, and the wisdom to be found in our shared heritage. We all face a challenge to stay centered, seek understanding and show compassion. We must find ways to build a better tomorrow and, by doing so, honor the memory of those massacred on October 7.