The Context
Yael Rozenman-Ismael, in a personal opinion piece, discusses the challenges of explaining the complex Palestinian-Jewish heritage to her infant daughter against the backdrop of recent conflicts, which have instigated old animosities.
Why It Matters
The author’s identity, being both Jewish and Palestinian, offers a unique perspective on the Israel-Hamas conflict and the broader Israeli-Palestinian issue. Her concern lies in nurturing her daughter with wisdom and insight amidst a resurgence of violence and historical enmity.
Personal Narrative Amid War
Rozenman-Ismael begins with a letter to her daughter Alma, detailing how the recent war has shattered her illusions of peaceful parenthood. The war erupted just 11 days after Alma’s birth, exposing the infant to the sounds of sirens and conflict. Yael had envisioned raising Alma in a romanticized world but quickly adapted to harsher realities.
Civilian Solidarity in Crisis
Following an attack deemed the most egregious since the Holocaust, Israelis demonstrated solidarity, with ordinary citizens stepping up to provide support where the government fell short. In these acts, Yael finds hope for teaching her daughter the value of life—central to Judaism—rather than conquest.
The Cycle of Hatred and Violence
The author emphasizes the need to educate Alma on the nuanced histories and philosophies of both Jewish and Palestinian narratives. She refuses to take a one-sided stance that could mean advocating for the annihilation of the other.
Between Ceasefire and Existence
Rozenman-Ismael grapples with the complexity of desiring peace while acknowledging the existential threats posed by groups like Hamas, who openly advocate for the destruction of Israel and Jews worldwide.
The Burden of History and Future Hopes
She aims to instill in Alma a sense of historical progression, drawing parallels with Germany post-Nazism and current advancements like the Abraham Accords, illustrating that transformation is possible even in seemingly static situations.
Condemnation of Biased Narratives
Rozenman-Ismael criticizes international perspectives that she feels have failed to grasp the intricacies of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often oversimplifying the situation to fit binary western ideologies of oppressor vs. oppressed.
The Antisemitic Conflation of Anti-Zionism
The writer discusses the painful realization that her daughter will experience antisemitism from infancy. She argues against terms like genocide and apartheid when used to describe Israel’s actions, believing that such language fosters further division and hatred.
Looking Ahead
The author desires a future where both Israelis and Palestinians thrive, stressing the importance of combating both terror and settlement expansion for the safety and prosperity of both peoples.
In Summary
Yael Rozenman-Ismael’s article serves as an intimate reflection on the challenges of motherhood within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, underscoring the importance of education, empathy, and the pursuit of peace without compromising one’s very existence.
This story was first published on jpost.com.