In a recent meeting, a diverse group of individuals came together to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing our world today. From the topic of genocide and war to the influence of propaganda and the future of Israel, this conversation was both enlightening and thought-provoking.

Genocide: A Label or a Reality?

Lee, one of the attendants of the meeting, did not shy away from calling the situation in Gaza a genocide. He emphasized that his stance on the matter had been firm since February, and he noted that the regions of Lebanon and Iran are also engulfed in the tragic throes of war.

Propaganda: A Tug-of-War for Truth

“What sources you think are less affected by propaganda?”

Nizar asked, sparking a debate about the influence of propaganda on the perception of war and conflict. Lee pointed out that while some sources like 972 Magazine, Haaretz, and LocalCall in Hebrew were good, there was a lack of mainstream sources that were less affected by propaganda. He emphasized the importance of considering the individual journalist behind the story, noting that some writers in mainstream papers can still deliver unbiased reports.

Lee also discussed the unique role that evidence plays in Israel, stating that it does not carry as much weight as it does in the United States. He believed that ideas are so deeply ingrained within Israel that change feels almost impossible, leading him to choose writing as his form of activism.

The Face of War in Israel

Despite the ongoing conflict, Lee explained that life in Jerusalem is surprisingly normal for most Israelis. He stated that the war has been relatively ‘cheap’ for Israel, with minimal Israeli casualties and only a modest increase in the cost of living. This dichotomy between the reality of war and the perceived normalcy of daily life in Israel was a significant point of discussion.

Shifting Perceptions & the Future of Israel

Tom, another participant in the meeting, questioned whether perceptions were changing within Israel. Lee responded by pointing out a poll from six years ago where only 6% of people identified as ‘left.’ He also noted that there had been some change in attitudes following the killing of Nasrallah and Sinwar, with some ‘progressives’ beginning to question Israel’s involvement in the war.

However, he was quick to point out that this number of progressives was still very small, and that the overall trend was a shift towards the right. Despite this, he did note that liberal media was slowly starting to cover IDF atrocities, suggesting that change, albeit slow, was happening.

The Israeli Psyche & the One-State, Two-State Solution

The conversation took a turn towards the future of Israel and the potential solutions to the conflict. When asked about the possibility of a one-state or two-state solution, Lee admitted that both seemed unrealistic given the current situation. He described Jewish supremacy as being ingrained into the Israeli psyche, and pointed out that polls showed many Israelis supporting an apartheid state.

Civil War: A Possible Outcome?

Irene raised the question of a potential civil war within Israel. Lee downplayed this possibility, stating that the closest the country had come to civil war was the judiciary clashes. He cited the strong taboo of intra-Jewish physical violence and predicted that at most, there may be occasional fist fights, but not a full-blown civil war.

Hope Amidst Crisis

Despite the grim outlook, Lee expressed hope for the future. He shared a story about American doctors who had no connection to Palestine but went to Gaza to help those in need. He also expressed optimism about the younger generation, hoping that they would bring about necessary changes in the future. He concluded by stating that external pressure would be necessary to effect change within Israel, as the country’s leftists and progressives could not solve the issue alone.

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