A few months ago, we learned about a young man whose name we’re withholding, which is something we very rarely do, because he insists it’s for his safety.
While it’s obvious there’s many Israelis who act individually to support Palestinians in specific cases, the government itself may want to take more structured action to support Palestinians who prove themselves to be like this young man. This idea could be a western indulgence in a dream rather than the reality of Islamic jihad. That said, in the same way experts advise to destabilize Iran from the inside out - through the long game on a variety of fronts - this may be a critical effort to engage more fundamental psychic change among Palestinians. I’m sure the argument will be made that Israel has done enough, been terrorized enough, lost enough in this endless war. Surely Israel doesn’t need to invest MORE. But no other nation will affect Palestinians as profoundly as Israel can. And look what we’re losing in this battle. This is beautiful soul. I’m sure there are many more, it’s worth looking while we protect our homeland and defend our borders.
Hearing this story is heartbreaking on so many levels. One, that he seems to be unique in his views and feelings and is surrounded by so many who are reveling about the horrors of Oct 7 and are standing behind the terrorists. It’s sad that after all he has done for himself he is now trapped and hiding out in fear for his life. I’m worried for his safety. It would seem he could easily be identified with his qualifications and having so many around him who consider him a traitor. I’ve donated but wish there was more I could do to help him.
Amazing discussion - it highlights the challenge that overshadows every other issue: why do so many Palestinians hate Israelis? Like another commenter, I also reacted to the word "discrimination" but in a different way. There is another "why" question coming - this time, why is there discrimination at all? And it's obvious - it's less about discrimination and more about safety. Could checkpoints be more efficient? I'm sure they could be. Aren't the checkpoints needed to ensure that Palestinians will not bring death and destruction to Israelis? Unfortunately, they have a bit of a track record in that area. Discrimination ends when people like the young man in this podcast become the decision makers and the majority. When Palestinians learn to build and not destroy.
Also, I am again dismayed that the FP, which is supposedly committed to honest reporting, barely mentions the occupation in this interview or anywhere. Weiss refers to “discrimination,” which sounds like a gross understatement. I am waiting for some honest reporting on the occupation. The settler puff piece from last year was sort of a joke given the violence that is going on and the infiltration of the police force and army by far right wing illiberal thugs. I would trust the FP so much more if the reporting on Israel was more multidimensional.
Maybe because he could still be reached by those nearby who want to kill him? In Israel, he would have protection from terror to the same extent as other Israelis. But he has a higher risk than other civilians due to his social media posts that made him a "traitor." Israel would have to provide him a much higher than ordinary level of protection.
It says a lot that he found Viktor Fankl's Man's Search for Meaning. Sure it taught him a lot about the suffering of the Jews in concentration camps, but the more important thing it taught him was the incredible importance of persevering toward meaningful goals. This is what God created us to do.
Man's Search for Meaning changed my life too. Anyone who reads this, consider finding and reading it. It will change you into a different person.
New to The Free Press (found out about it though the NYT piece on Bari Weiss.) I am blown away (in a good way) with the podcast in particular. It was this podcast that got me to do a paid subscription because it opened my eyes, painting for me a more informed and compassionate perspective of a highly complex situation. THIS is what journalism is about. Thank you and more please!!
This was incredible, thank you for bringing this man on the podcast. It reminded me of the good people I met as a child crossing over to the West Bank for shopping and food before the intifada began and it became unsafe. His story is very special and I hope he will find a way out of there.
Spectacular. This war will end, and we will need people like him on both sides. Thank you. It is so easy to forget your enemy is human. So easy to forget the hardship they have suffered too. Hamas must be destroyed, and let us be really honest: radical Islam must be defeated as well. The long war is a war of theology. Perhaps we can begin that here. Where are the courageous theologians willing to defeat the life negating essence of Islam?
This is The Free Press at its very best. This is what I signed up for. This is the sort of story the WaPo Grey Ladies out there have zero interest in telling, to their discredit.
Barri had her guest described his 5-hour commute from the West Bank to his university in Tel Aviv, and his various other difficulties due to checkpoints, etc., but I really wish Barri asked the $64,000 question:
Why are there no decent universities in the West Bank or Gaza in the first place? It can't be from a lack of hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign aid.
Just listened to today's podcast episode, and all I can say is Good on You, Bari Weiss! I greatly value that you shine your light in all corners, all views, and peoples.
While it’s obvious there’s many Israelis who act individually to support Palestinians in specific cases, the government itself may want to take more structured action to support Palestinians who prove themselves to be like this young man. This idea could be a western indulgence in a dream rather than the reality of Islamic jihad. That said, in the same way experts advise to destabilize Iran from the inside out - through the long game on a variety of fronts - this may be a critical effort to engage more fundamental psychic change among Palestinians. I’m sure the argument will be made that Israel has done enough, been terrorized enough, lost enough in this endless war. Surely Israel doesn’t need to invest MORE. But no other nation will affect Palestinians as profoundly as Israel can. And look what we’re losing in this battle. This is beautiful soul. I’m sure there are many more, it’s worth looking while we protect our homeland and defend our borders.
Hearing this story is heartbreaking on so many levels. One, that he seems to be unique in his views and feelings and is surrounded by so many who are reveling about the horrors of Oct 7 and are standing behind the terrorists. It’s sad that after all he has done for himself he is now trapped and hiding out in fear for his life. I’m worried for his safety. It would seem he could easily be identified with his qualifications and having so many around him who consider him a traitor. I’ve donated but wish there was more I could do to help him.
Amazing discussion - it highlights the challenge that overshadows every other issue: why do so many Palestinians hate Israelis? Like another commenter, I also reacted to the word "discrimination" but in a different way. There is another "why" question coming - this time, why is there discrimination at all? And it's obvious - it's less about discrimination and more about safety. Could checkpoints be more efficient? I'm sure they could be. Aren't the checkpoints needed to ensure that Palestinians will not bring death and destruction to Israelis? Unfortunately, they have a bit of a track record in that area. Discrimination ends when people like the young man in this podcast become the decision makers and the majority. When Palestinians learn to build and not destroy.
Until then, there is only one side.
Also, I am again dismayed that the FP, which is supposedly committed to honest reporting, barely mentions the occupation in this interview or anywhere. Weiss refers to “discrimination,” which sounds like a gross understatement. I am waiting for some honest reporting on the occupation. The settler puff piece from last year was sort of a joke given the violence that is going on and the infiltration of the police force and army by far right wing illiberal thugs. I would trust the FP so much more if the reporting on Israel was more multidimensional.
Why can’t this individual be granted protection and citizenship within Israel where he has worked and has so many connections?
Maybe because he could still be reached by those nearby who want to kill him? In Israel, he would have protection from terror to the same extent as other Israelis. But he has a higher risk than other civilians due to his social media posts that made him a "traitor." Israel would have to provide him a much higher than ordinary level of protection.
It says a lot that he found Viktor Fankl's Man's Search for Meaning. Sure it taught him a lot about the suffering of the Jews in concentration camps, but the more important thing it taught him was the incredible importance of persevering toward meaningful goals. This is what God created us to do.
Man's Search for Meaning changed my life too. Anyone who reads this, consider finding and reading it. It will change you into a different person.
New to The Free Press (found out about it though the NYT piece on Bari Weiss.) I am blown away (in a good way) with the podcast in particular. It was this podcast that got me to do a paid subscription because it opened my eyes, painting for me a more informed and compassionate perspective of a highly complex situation. THIS is what journalism is about. Thank you and more please!!
This was incredible, thank you for bringing this man on the podcast. It reminded me of the good people I met as a child crossing over to the West Bank for shopping and food before the intifada began and it became unsafe. His story is very special and I hope he will find a way out of there.
Spectacular. This war will end, and we will need people like him on both sides. Thank you. It is so easy to forget your enemy is human. So easy to forget the hardship they have suffered too. Hamas must be destroyed, and let us be really honest: radical Islam must be defeated as well. The long war is a war of theology. Perhaps we can begin that here. Where are the courageous theologians willing to defeat the life negating essence of Islam?
Amazing person, thank you. 🫶
This is The Free Press at its very best. This is what I signed up for. This is the sort of story the WaPo Grey Ladies out there have zero interest in telling, to their discredit.
Barri had her guest described his 5-hour commute from the West Bank to his university in Tel Aviv, and his various other difficulties due to checkpoints, etc., but I really wish Barri asked the $64,000 question:
Why are there no decent universities in the West Bank or Gaza in the first place? It can't be from a lack of hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign aid.
One man's traitor is another man's hero.
How do we contribute?
It's in the episode notes found here: https://www.thefp.com/p/the-price-of-speaking-out-a-palestinian-72c, scroll to the bottom.
Or, here' it is: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Support-Our-Friend-To-Rebuild-His-Life
Just listened to today's podcast episode, and all I can say is Good on You, Bari Weiss! I greatly value that you shine your light in all corners, all views, and peoples.