OVER the past few months, the conflict between Israel and Hamas has cast a dark shadow on the world, leaving destruction and turmoil in its wake. Lives have been shattered, communities torn apart, and a wave of intolerance and hatred has swept across the world.
In Britain, the Jewish community has faced a concerning surge in hate incidents, marking one of the worst periods in modern times. Islamophobic hate crimes have also seen a sevenfold increase since the Hamas attack on October 7, encompassing both verbal and physical abuse.
As the conflict unfolds, the immediate victims are undoubtedly the people of Israel and Palestine, particularly those in Gaza who are suffering beyond imagination. Gazans are not only battling violence but also hunger and thirst for survival. Israel’s retaliatory assault has resulted in at least 18,205 reported deaths and nearly 50,000 wounded.
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Many more casualties remain uncounted, buried under rubble or beyond the reach of ambulances. The human cost is staggering, painting a picture of despair and uncertainty. In the midst of such darkness, I often feel overwhelmed by challenges and lose sight of hope.
Yet, it is precisely in these moments that we must hold on to the vision of a brighter future – one where peace triumphs over the torment of war, and co-existence replaces the scars of conflict.
The events we are witnessing are a perfect example of why hope is not a mere sentiment but a powerful force capable of transforming history. It is the catalyst driving the efforts of peacemakers, the force behind reconciliation and understanding.
If we don’t hold on to that, then what do we have? The promise of more chaos and death?
Amid the gloom, we see small yet significant signs that hope is not dead and buried.
Many individuals and organisations are working tirelessly to promote dialogue, foster understanding, and advocate for a peaceful resolution. Despite facing setbacks, resistance, and even downright hostility, they are a light in the darkness, demonstrating that the desire for peace is not extinguished. They build bridges of communication, challenging narratives of hatred and mistrust.
Here as well, in our distant position from the conflict, it becomes increasingly evident that we need these beacons of hope.
Despite not directly experiencing the horrors of war, we find ourselves navigating through a world overshadowed by extremist discourse. I feel we are asked to choose between two extremes, between two sets of propaganda, and I am refusing to make that choice. I think most of us are. This is why we need an alternative way, a better discourse.
There’s no bravery in hatred, no courage in seeking to divide people. This is particularly true for those of us who are bystanders in this conflict. Embracing optimism requires acknowledging the multifaceted nature of the situation. The courage lies not in simplifying the narrative but in confronting its complexity with a compassionate and human approach.
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In other words, optimism should inspire a commitment to nuanced thinking, empathy, and a recognition of diverse experiences.
By championing a more comprehensive understanding, we lay the groundwork for genuine progress and a future built on co-existence rather than division.
That is why I felt proud to be part of a recent column in Le Monde. It specifically spoke to feminists, encouraging a more inclusive approach in discussing the Israel-Hamas conflict, as many Jewish feminists are feeling stigmatised and isolated.
Some critics have wrongly labelled the column as an unwarranted attack on the feminist movement. In reality, it is quite the opposite: we can’t pretend this malaise doesn’t exist, so let’s have this conversation, and make sure we practice what we preach.
The raison d’être of feminism is to advocate for all women who are victims of violence, irrespective of their religion, nationality, or the government that represents them. We can talk about nuance and complexity for hours, but some things are, actually, pretty basic: rape is a crime, and survivors need unwavering support, end of.
The intention was not only to advocate for a better way of dialogue but also to stand in support of both Jewish and Palestinian women.
It read: “Against the binary constraints that we find ourselves in, we urge everyone to approach these events with a nuanced perspective. It is conceivable to express empathy both for the victims of October 7 and for the Palestinian victims of the war, including a distressing number of women and children.
“Supporting the rights of Palestinians to a state doesn’t necessitate advocating for the destruction of Israel. One can simultaneously denounce the colonial policies of the Israeli government and condemn the terrorist acts of Hamas.”
By doing so, the column aimed to disrupt the narrative that pushes for divisive choices and instead championed a path rooted in understanding, empathy, and solidarity. It is a reminder that, even from a distance, our voices can contribute to fostering a more compassionate and inclusive discourse around complex global issues.
It is a reminder not to let Jewish people be weaponised by far-right parties.
These parties are not allies; they manipulate people’s sufferings for their attempts to detoxify their brand. It was particularly sickening to see Philippe Vardon, a far-right city councillor, demonstrate against antisemitism last month.
The refusal to accept the narrative of perpetual conflict and the commitment to envisioning a brighter future are the cornerstones of optimism.
This optimism is not about denying the harsh realities of the conflict or making unrealistic promises. It is about acknowledging the challenges and, more importantly, believing in our collective capacity to overcome them. The courage of optimism lies in refusing to succumb to despair and cynicism.
While giving hope might seem challenging in these dark times, it’s not an option we can do without. To witness an end to the division and bloodshed, it is imperative to continue believing in the possibility of peace and envisioning a future where Israelis and Palestinians co-exist harmoniously.
In a world seemingly consumed by hatred, intolerance, and violence, it is essential to rediscover the courage of optimism. Sometimes progressives forget how to have hope, because we don’t want to be called dreamers or fantasists.
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While awareness of problems is crucial, it is equally vital to look towards the future, to identify our inspirations and aspirations. What kind of society do we want to build for the next generation?
It’s a journey that necessitates acknowledging the challenges, supporting the peacebuilders and fostering a sense of optimism even in the face of adversity, for the sake of countless lives lost and countless more threatened by the ongoing strife.
The duty of bystanders, especially those privileged to not experience the direct horrors of war, is to, at the very least, hold up and encourage the conditions in which peace could happen. The narrative of perpetual conflict must be rejected in favour of one that envisions progress, understanding, and a shared future free from fear and violence.
As the world navigates through these dark times, the courage of optimism becomes a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a future where co-existence triumphs over conflict.
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