I do not have a brilliant introduction, so I’ll go straight to the spokespersons
A Chinese couple studying in Israel are sitting with us. We will get to them later, but it requires carving English words.
I jumble in spoiled English, explain about us and answer the research question – what is Gaza for me. I also answer: neighbors, suffering, desire to act, etc. – all the things I usually say and have become an unwelcome routine.
After Ofek speaks Eglish and briefly vigorously: Gaza for ofek is a place where people live. He can sit down to eat a watermelon (we brought a first watermelon of the season…) and feel free. He wants it for them too. So simple, so true.
Moshe says that the events that are happening here, parades of various kinds (also in universities) are legal and legitimate actions, including the hoisting of the Palestinian flag. Demonstrating against him is pretty stupid. Moshe saw the demonstration that took place at Ben-Gurion University. The “students” who demonstrated against the Palestinians first flag were for the most part young children wearing kippahs who came from outside. Feels unpleasant towards the Israeli-Palestinian students. The purpose was to cause discomfort to the Palestinians. The overall picture is difficult and complicated and it is difficult to separate the components of the complex. This should also provoke thought about Gaza.
Bella passed the age of 80 and saw many things in her life, Good and bad. Gaza is like a POW camp where the people cannot change their lives. Maybe we’re actually captives too, she muses.
For Malki, Gaza is a black pit and despair. Malki, like the rest of us, wants a common space. A normal life for everyone. There they have no life like ours. They have no light at the end of the tunnel and it is discouraging and has no solutions. Came here to be encouraged. The situation is neither good nor improving. It’s not just Gaza. As Moshe said, it is big and complicated.
Nahshi was born in the neighborhood of Gaza and lives next door to this day. There are also opportunities in Gaza, he says, that with good relations can benefit everyone. Beach, market shopping and commercial life. Now instead we have hostility and missiles. Nahshi prefer to see that there is a horizon. The situation must be better, he says. Our life here is a fact and we need to be prepared for the change that will come. He is sure that change will come, in a pleasant or painful way. The substitute is a war scenario. Came here because of the coffee and friends. Know that in Gaza they know about us and appreciate it.
For Shmulik, human rights in Israel and abroad should exist and he works for this. It is important for him to come and listen to the opinions of others. Hoping for better times and committing to making the most of it
David comes from China. He is a student, here in Israel. An archeology, history and Bible student. In China the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is what is presented in the media. Because of his stay here he is more interested and also took a tour along the border with a guide who was a civilian security guard. Did not know and did not plan to reach the circle. After hearing us he think that we are doing an important educational action. They had lectures on how Gaza has deteriorated. People in Gaza are like all the other people in the world. Hamas makes them live badly. There must be an opportunity for change. There is a physical barrier but the internet allows Contact: See profile of a young woman in Gaza who does not talk about war but about love and a good life.
Yanan is a student at the Hebrew University. I have known Yanan for about 5 years because she volunteered in our Kibutz. I told her a long time ago about the “lighthouse” and today, on her way to celebrate “Shavuot” with us, she decided to stop in our circle. Yanan says that she has’nt experienced missels alarm with all the accompanying effects that result from it. what is interesting to her is the fact that after Whatever we absorb from Hamas, there are still people who hope for normalcy with them. Her point of view is more liberal and open.
Bella asks what is happening that the country is constantly in decline ?
Rami says that the country is not going down – but going in a different direction: in the direction that it is going, it is in great advanced – national, nationalist, a large majority driven by faith. Admittedly, the struggle for the Land of Israel has not been decided but “they” are very advanced. Rami also adds that Oded thinks we are a silent majority, but he, Rami, thinks we are a stupid minority.
We were this time: Rami, Bella, Malki, David, Yanan, Ofek, Nahshi, Shmulik, Oded, Moshe.
Wrote: Oded.