Hello to all,
For the purposes of this post, I’d like to specifically address those who consider themselves Pro-Hamas, Pro-Palestinians, Anti-Jewish, Anti-Zionist, and Anti-Israel.
I know that this category contains many people with varying degrees of beliefs. So for the sake of simplicity, let’s make a few assumptions on a scale for how much you support different groups (0 not at all to 50 neutral to 100 strongly):
Hamas (let’s say 20)
Palestinian cause (let’s say 85)
Jewish people (let’s say 50)
Israelis (let’s say 40)
Zionists (let’s say 10)
two states solution (let’s say 95)
Actions of the Israeli government (let’s say 10)
Assuming that all of this is more or less accurate, what do you think is the best contribution you can make to the cause you believe in? What can you personally do to promote peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians and the formation of a Palestinian state? Where should you focus your efforts?
Think about the Israeli left—one of your most important allies, many of whom have been advocating and demonstrating for Palestinian liberation for decades—not months. These allies are also deeply troubled by the actions of Netanyahu’s government, the religious right, and zionist extremists. Shouting “from the river to the sea,” without knowing the context of its origins (it originated as a call for annihilation for all Jewish and Israeli people) makes the world more dangerous for some of your strongest allies.
Think about one non-Israeli, secular Jewish person who is deeply troubled by the actions of ultra-orthodox theocrats and Zionist extremists and cares deeply about the suffering of the Palestinian people. Dehumanizing targeting of Jews and Israeli authors, academics, entertainers, and college students to attacks on the street, protests against Jewish-owned businesses, institutions or heckling during a performance, might this person also conclude that the world is not truly interested in a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but only interested in the annihilation of Israel and the annihilation of Jews? Would they have the energy needed to fight for peace and religious pluralism?
Consider whether the dehumanization and targeting of these potential allies will make it more or less likely that they will want to join forces with you in continued support for the cause that you have in common? Think about whether, in the scheme of things, it makes more sense to weaken or strengthen a connection with them?
In social science we have this idea called “A theory of change.” The idea is that we need to force ourselves to think carefully about the exact mechanism that will translate our action into the desired outcome. In fact not thinking carefully about the mechanism is usually what creates unintended consequences.
I challenge the people who identify with those in the buckets at the beginning of this note to consider their theory of change, and I suspect that if they were to write down their theory of change, they would realize that many of their actions, especially when they involve stereotype based assumptions against all Jews, all Zionists, and all Israelis, is counterproductive to achieving the ultimate goal of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. If they were to write their theory of change they may also realize the damage caused by dramatically discounting, and denying, the horrific events of October 7 closes the gateway for further discussions.
In my theory of change, it is very clear that if we want people to listen to us we need to acknowledge the suffering and injustice, amongst the human beings on all sides of this conflict and a mutual desire for a sustained peace. It is clear that It is possible, and even necessary, to condemn both the October 7 attacks and the ensuing suffering and destruction of Gaza. Both things are true. This isn’t an either/or scenario. I am not sure what the solution is to the terrible situation we’re in, but I know that without considering the nuances of our identities and beliefs, we only perpetuate stereotypes and prolong the same cycles of war and violence that have existed for generations.
So please take a moment to think about your theory of change, make sure that you understand the consequences of your actions, and only then act.
And if you’re willing to share your theory of change with me, I would love to know what your approach is to bring about positive change.
Irrationally yours
Dan