Expressions of mass protest within Israeli Society have been prevalent since the present Government was elected a year ago, aroused by the fear of the infringement of democratic values and the violation of the ‘Rule of Law’.
Since the devastating attack on October 7th and the kidnapping of hundreds of Israelis into Gaza, a number of the abductee’s families have gathered in two main areas, in front of the Knesset and across from the Government and Military offices in Tel Aviv, where military moves are determined. The families swept after them more and more citizens calling for the immediate release of those in captivity. Thousands of people joined the families in support, participating in a number of marches that concluded in Jerusalem, with the aim of reaching the ‘policy makers’ and with the purpose of applying pressure on them to make supreme efforts to free the kidnapped . The country is abundant with pictures of those kidnapped, while the media brings forth consistently their ‘personal stories’, of children, men and women, female and male soldiers and the aged.
There have been a number of rounds for the exchange between Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and specifically, women and children. However, it is crucial to note that over one hundred Israelis are still being held captive by the Hamas, both young and old, including the injured and the ailing. Representatives of the ‘Red Cross’ were not permitted to visit the hostages and there is much troubling uncertainty as to their physical and emotional condition.
We learnt from the hostages who were released, of the extremely harsh conditions they endured in captivity, of the daily dangers they were exposed to, emotionally and physically , including the threat of sexual assault and of losing their lives altogether.
All of these factors combined have created an atmosphere of activism and thousands of people continue to protest all over the country, alongside the families, calling for obtaining an agreement for the return of the hostages.
Those in favour of reaching an agreement are willing to pay a heavy price and put an end to the war. Tens of thousands have become refugees in their own homeland – both Israeli and Gazan citizens. There has been a massive loss of life, while the situation in Gaza has reached a peak and is now on the verge of a humanitarian crisis.
More and more criticism is being sounded concerning the conduct of the present Government, including an immediate call for new elections.
Members of the Three Jungian Psychoanalytic Societies in Israel continue to be active and committed to the protest, calling for the immediate release of hostages and an end to the war.
Ahuva Yavin-Arnon – President of ‘The Israel Society for Analytical Psychology’ – ISAP
Anita Sterenson-Schwartz – Former Secretary for ISAP
