Mr Keret, thank you for speaking up. I started reading your stories here in Belgrade only a year ago, and immediately loved them. To know that you are opposing this madness is a small thing today that makes my heart at peace.
You are my favorite writer. It means a lot to hear you speak up about the genocide in Gaza. You don't use this term, but for myself to call it anything else would feel dishonest. I appreciate you and hope you and your loved ones are safe.
Etgar, thank you for writing this. I am also Israeli. Your words express how I am feeling but have been unable to articulate. It’s been a slow drip, like a coming rain, drips between the sirens, drips between the international condemnations – what if it’s true? Why aren’t we Israelis more outraged by this? Why aren’t we outraged at all? How are we watching reality shows and sending pictures of our vacation in Sinai? This government bears toxic fruit and has poisoned us all. They have manipulated Israelis in the time of our trauma, they have endangered diaspora Jews - they have held us ALL hostage and the spirit of Israel along with us. Gazans are suffering a hell-beyond-hell, diaspora Jews are splintered and afraid, and many of us “ordinary” Israelis are beginning to realize that in our numbness, we have played a part. I write about my ordinary life in Israel on Substack, yet this horror sticks in my throat and chokes my words.
I live in the US, and we have our own insanity to deal with right now, but I do have friends who are from Israel or have visited recently, so I am not without some idea of what's happening there. I do appreciate Mr. Keret's perspective. War has no winners—never has, never will—only survivors. I don't really understand, though, the logic put forth about hostages - free them all, and the war ends. Destruction and death have been ongoing for 18+ months, and where are the hostages? Why is it logical to assume that what is needed is more of the same when this hasn't proven effective in getting the desired result, all hostages freed? If something is not working, you do something else. If the powers that be refuse to change directions, then maybe the stated purpose of that action is not the result intended. Just a thought.
So good to know that I am not the only one in a turmoil of feelings. I know it’s bad and we have as you say descended into a moral abyss. Terribly disturbing. This is not the country we hoped for. Sad!
If you think that this « doesn’t shake the world », and that no one is reporting on it, you aren’t paying attention. The international news reports on every Gazan death, including those of terrorists (calling them civilians) obsessively, while completely ignoring both Israeli soldier and civilian deaths. Your post is completely tone deaf and proves that you have no idea what is going on in the world. Congratulations on your performative empathy, you’ve just put both Israeli and Diasporic Jewish lives at risk.
Every single death, every one, is the fault of hamas, their collaborators, and their overlords. There is only one way for this war to end: return of the hostages. But you don’t mention it. You seem to want Israel to commit suicide instead. Disgraceful.
accusing Mr Keret for putting Jewish lifes at risk by writing down his thoughts about the war in Gaza makes me really angry.
It’s your accusations that are disgraceful, infamous, and a laugh!
The only ones to put Jewish life at risk are Hamas and their supporters worldwide. It’s their hate speech in social media and during their marches on the streets of our cities (e.g. mine,
Munich, last Friday). Their acting encourages all those hidden antisemites to leave their cover and come out of their holes. For them, it’s not about supporting
„Palestine“, in reality it’s only about annihilating Israel and all the folks living there.
I‘m sure Mr Keret doesn’t have any doubts about Israel‘s right to defend itself.But it’s his right too mentioning his doubts about the way this defence is done right now. And in my opinion it doesn’t make a big difference whether the readers of his article (by the way written in Hebrew originally)are Jews in Israel, or in diaspora, or goys like myself all over the globe.
As to myself, it’s my urgent wish that war in Gaza may end at once, that all hostages may return to their loved ones, and by some miracle there will be a peaceful future for all the folks in this region. Hopelessly naive, I know, but I can’t help.
He did mention the hostages in the second paragraph. In Australia, Israeli deaths and injuries are reported, since they are almost always in single or double digits (every life is a terrible loss) as is the damage. ‘Every Gazan death’ is not reported- that would be impossible, given the numbers. I hope you, your people and your place find peace.
Naomi, the hostages are mentioned, but not in the context of "this war could be over tomorrow if Hamas et al returned the hostages." They are mentioned in passing, as a way for Israelis to feel guilty about living their lives. Where I live, Canada, every Gazan death is mentioned on our national news on the radio which has news on the hour for about five minutes. Most of those five minutes are spent condemning Israel for being genocidal, bloodthirsty murderers, absolutely ignoring their right to self defence, absolutely ignoring their actual genocidal neighbours.
It's not a war, as the parties are everything but of equal power. Even if you believe the returning of hostages would stop "the war", how can that justify the everyday killing and starving of palestinian people, outside of any humanitarian convention? You cannot justify it. Just as we, the Europeans, cannot justify the horrible complicity of EU (apart from Spain, Slovenia and Ireland) with the USA and Israel in commiting this genocide. We all have blood on our hands. TC We are all loosing our humanity every day the killing of innocent children and civilians is happening, it doesn't matter the nationality. And even when we feel we can't do anything because the insanity is overwhelming, we can at least cry.
This piece was written, originally, for Israeli readers and in Israel media covering civilian deaths in Gaza is something that most of the times just doesn’t happen.
Etgar, I can understand that you wrote this for Israeli readers, however, when you write in English, the audience is different. There are ways that you speak at home, and ways that you speak in public. The conversation condemning Israel for being murderers is loud and rampant, and you, as an Israeli, doubling down, and reinforcing that, is really not needed, nor is it helping. Of course we need to hold ourselves accountable, but what is gained from making a public spectacle of it before a public that already hates us? Is it for acceptance? And quite frankly, we are holding ourselves accountable. I respect the Israeli mentality of holding themselves to a higher standard, and not sinking to the level of their enemies. But holy wow, think a little bit about who your audience is, who is reading this, what effect it will have, not only on you, not only for Israelis, but for every Jew living in the diaspora. You seem to have no idea what we're going through right now, even if we don't support Israel, but especially if we do. I live in a city where the mayor has tied the hands of the police, and they stand watching, doing nothing, while we get harassed, spat on, beaten. You are telling those people that are being violent towards us that they are justified. Please think a little bit more next time
This was one of the few times I have had the opportunity to hear an Israeli point of view, and whilst I understand- indeed can see on here- there are many perspectives, I am so grateful to you for your piece, and bravery
You start this post saying you think of those of us not living in the Middle East, how well we know your country, what you could share or explain... This post, for me, is what I want to know about how it is to be where you are, how you experience your life there, and it is explained so very well. No one, ever, should have to live and experience life like this. This is heartbreaking and makes me very sad.
My dear, finally, you said it as it is, I have been waiting. I watched, read, and listened to you delivering the same message in a less straight-forward way. I assume it was not out of fear of losing your Israeli audience, but out of hope to get through to them. But there is no way around it, and even that - one can only hope the Israeli masses will find the courage and humility to wake up to the horrors in Gaza, and put their foot down, designer flipflops and all. We, as peoples, are fucked, but we can save our grandchildren (potentially).
Dear Etgar, I feel that I must remind you that I cannot demand that you send your son out to feed Gazans so that I can feel good about myself. We, the Jewish people, are not responsible for the moral failings of the world. We cannot protect the Gazans from Hamas, we can only incompetently attempt to protect Israelis from Hamas. We cannot and should not protect all the Druze from the muslim world, even though I do understand the necessity of doing so in the present case. We just have to keep trying. I do not feel guilty about all the death in Gaza and in Israel just frustrated and angry.
The Hamas are inhuman and horrible but these children are killed by Israeli bullets and bombs . As long as we are there we are responsible . If we won’t be , who is? We control that place .
Mr Keret, thank you for speaking up. I started reading your stories here in Belgrade only a year ago, and immediately loved them. To know that you are opposing this madness is a small thing today that makes my heart at peace.
You are my favorite writer. It means a lot to hear you speak up about the genocide in Gaza. You don't use this term, but for myself to call it anything else would feel dishonest. I appreciate you and hope you and your loved ones are safe.
Amen 🙏🏽
Etgar, thank you for writing this. I am also Israeli. Your words express how I am feeling but have been unable to articulate. It’s been a slow drip, like a coming rain, drips between the sirens, drips between the international condemnations – what if it’s true? Why aren’t we Israelis more outraged by this? Why aren’t we outraged at all? How are we watching reality shows and sending pictures of our vacation in Sinai? This government bears toxic fruit and has poisoned us all. They have manipulated Israelis in the time of our trauma, they have endangered diaspora Jews - they have held us ALL hostage and the spirit of Israel along with us. Gazans are suffering a hell-beyond-hell, diaspora Jews are splintered and afraid, and many of us “ordinary” Israelis are beginning to realize that in our numbness, we have played a part. I write about my ordinary life in Israel on Substack, yet this horror sticks in my throat and chokes my words.
I live in the US, and we have our own insanity to deal with right now, but I do have friends who are from Israel or have visited recently, so I am not without some idea of what's happening there. I do appreciate Mr. Keret's perspective. War has no winners—never has, never will—only survivors. I don't really understand, though, the logic put forth about hostages - free them all, and the war ends. Destruction and death have been ongoing for 18+ months, and where are the hostages? Why is it logical to assume that what is needed is more of the same when this hasn't proven effective in getting the desired result, all hostages freed? If something is not working, you do something else. If the powers that be refuse to change directions, then maybe the stated purpose of that action is not the result intended. Just a thought.
I wish Israelis could run an election to oust their relentless President and far right government. Possible?
This is what most Israelies wish too. Not that it helps us.
So good to know that I am not the only one in a turmoil of feelings. I know it’s bad and we have as you say descended into a moral abyss. Terribly disturbing. This is not the country we hoped for. Sad!
If you think that this « doesn’t shake the world », and that no one is reporting on it, you aren’t paying attention. The international news reports on every Gazan death, including those of terrorists (calling them civilians) obsessively, while completely ignoring both Israeli soldier and civilian deaths. Your post is completely tone deaf and proves that you have no idea what is going on in the world. Congratulations on your performative empathy, you’ve just put both Israeli and Diasporic Jewish lives at risk.
Every single death, every one, is the fault of hamas, their collaborators, and their overlords. There is only one way for this war to end: return of the hostages. But you don’t mention it. You seem to want Israel to commit suicide instead. Disgraceful.
Hello Tara
accusing Mr Keret for putting Jewish lifes at risk by writing down his thoughts about the war in Gaza makes me really angry.
It’s your accusations that are disgraceful, infamous, and a laugh!
The only ones to put Jewish life at risk are Hamas and their supporters worldwide. It’s their hate speech in social media and during their marches on the streets of our cities (e.g. mine,
Munich, last Friday). Their acting encourages all those hidden antisemites to leave their cover and come out of their holes. For them, it’s not about supporting
„Palestine“, in reality it’s only about annihilating Israel and all the folks living there.
I‘m sure Mr Keret doesn’t have any doubts about Israel‘s right to defend itself.But it’s his right too mentioning his doubts about the way this defence is done right now. And in my opinion it doesn’t make a big difference whether the readers of his article (by the way written in Hebrew originally)are Jews in Israel, or in diaspora, or goys like myself all over the globe.
As to myself, it’s my urgent wish that war in Gaza may end at once, that all hostages may return to their loved ones, and by some miracle there will be a peaceful future for all the folks in this region. Hopelessly naive, I know, but I can’t help.
Am Israel Chai
He did mention the hostages in the second paragraph. In Australia, Israeli deaths and injuries are reported, since they are almost always in single or double digits (every life is a terrible loss) as is the damage. ‘Every Gazan death’ is not reported- that would be impossible, given the numbers. I hope you, your people and your place find peace.
Naomi, the hostages are mentioned, but not in the context of "this war could be over tomorrow if Hamas et al returned the hostages." They are mentioned in passing, as a way for Israelis to feel guilty about living their lives. Where I live, Canada, every Gazan death is mentioned on our national news on the radio which has news on the hour for about five minutes. Most of those five minutes are spent condemning Israel for being genocidal, bloodthirsty murderers, absolutely ignoring their right to self defence, absolutely ignoring their actual genocidal neighbours.
It's not a war, as the parties are everything but of equal power. Even if you believe the returning of hostages would stop "the war", how can that justify the everyday killing and starving of palestinian people, outside of any humanitarian convention? You cannot justify it. Just as we, the Europeans, cannot justify the horrible complicity of EU (apart from Spain, Slovenia and Ireland) with the USA and Israel in commiting this genocide. We all have blood on our hands. TC We are all loosing our humanity every day the killing of innocent children and civilians is happening, it doesn't matter the nationality. And even when we feel we can't do anything because the insanity is overwhelming, we can at least cry.
This piece was written, originally, for Israeli readers and in Israel media covering civilian deaths in Gaza is something that most of the times just doesn’t happen.
Etgar, I can understand that you wrote this for Israeli readers, however, when you write in English, the audience is different. There are ways that you speak at home, and ways that you speak in public. The conversation condemning Israel for being murderers is loud and rampant, and you, as an Israeli, doubling down, and reinforcing that, is really not needed, nor is it helping. Of course we need to hold ourselves accountable, but what is gained from making a public spectacle of it before a public that already hates us? Is it for acceptance? And quite frankly, we are holding ourselves accountable. I respect the Israeli mentality of holding themselves to a higher standard, and not sinking to the level of their enemies. But holy wow, think a little bit about who your audience is, who is reading this, what effect it will have, not only on you, not only for Israelis, but for every Jew living in the diaspora. You seem to have no idea what we're going through right now, even if we don't support Israel, but especially if we do. I live in a city where the mayor has tied the hands of the police, and they stand watching, doing nothing, while we get harassed, spat on, beaten. You are telling those people that are being violent towards us that they are justified. Please think a little bit more next time
oh wow
This was one of the few times I have had the opportunity to hear an Israeli point of view, and whilst I understand- indeed can see on here- there are many perspectives, I am so grateful to you for your piece, and bravery
Exactly this. We are all losers in this tragedy.
At last someone shares my grief and feeling of complete and utter despair of not being able to do a darn thing but weep.
You start this post saying you think of those of us not living in the Middle East, how well we know your country, what you could share or explain... This post, for me, is what I want to know about how it is to be where you are, how you experience your life there, and it is explained so very well. No one, ever, should have to live and experience life like this. This is heartbreaking and makes me very sad.
Holy s@#t, I just read a few of the comments you received in Israel on the Hebrew version. Am feeling sick in the stomach.
Sending love and support....
My dear, finally, you said it as it is, I have been waiting. I watched, read, and listened to you delivering the same message in a less straight-forward way. I assume it was not out of fear of losing your Israeli audience, but out of hope to get through to them. But there is no way around it, and even that - one can only hope the Israeli masses will find the courage and humility to wake up to the horrors in Gaza, and put their foot down, designer flipflops and all. We, as peoples, are fucked, but we can save our grandchildren (potentially).
Thank you Etgar.
Dear Etgar, I feel that I must remind you that I cannot demand that you send your son out to feed Gazans so that I can feel good about myself. We, the Jewish people, are not responsible for the moral failings of the world. We cannot protect the Gazans from Hamas, we can only incompetently attempt to protect Israelis from Hamas. We cannot and should not protect all the Druze from the muslim world, even though I do understand the necessity of doing so in the present case. We just have to keep trying. I do not feel guilty about all the death in Gaza and in Israel just frustrated and angry.
Dear Judy,
The Hamas are inhuman and horrible but these children are killed by Israeli bullets and bombs . As long as we are there we are responsible . If we won’t be , who is? We control that place .
Thank you.