Let’s Talk About the Occupation in (American) English [View all]

Ari Shavit’s strategies for bridging the gap between U.S. Jews and Israel effectively act to obscure the line that separates Israel from the occupied territories. That line is what Breaking the Silence seeks to protect.

Avner Gvaryahu Mar 13, 2016

At the height of the onslaught against Breaking the Silence two months ago, Haaretz columnist Ari Shavit joined the commotion by criticizing the organization’s operations abroad in an op-ed, "Why I broke my silence". "As a long-time silence breaker, I hope that the new silence-breakers find a better and more appropriate way to say their piece," he wrote.
Shavit wrote that he understands our motivation to discuss the reality in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) but "doesn’t like" the fact that we talk about the occupation in English....... .....( you and he both shira )

It was therefore interesting to read his recent article about touring campuses across the U.S. in which Shavit says he shared his opinions with thousands of students on dozens of campuses over the past year. Clearly his own views aren’t bound by self-censorship in front of an English-speaking crowd. But why are Shavit’s views more worthy of being heard abroad than those held by Breaking the Silence, myself and fellow members included, participants in an organization of over 1,000 soldiers who have served in the OPT over the past decade?

As someone who has been working with Jewish communities across the world for years as part of my job with Breaking the Silence, I agree with Shavit on one foundational issue. He is right to identify the central problem facing those who wish to maintain and strengthen the relationship between Israel and American Jews: The growing crisis between the Diaspora and Israel over the latter’s policy of prolonged occupation of the Palestinian territories.

read more: http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-1.708486