Letters from Kefalonia, Greece, via Israel: Part one
Bryna Miller writes to Janet:
Every day I feel like things are getting worse in Israel AND here in the US.
Is Israel becoming more and more divided or is that just the media sensationalizing everything as usual?
I completely understand why so many are against Netanyahu and the government but now all these ex-officials are coming out saying he is murdering babies in Gaza for sport? It just breaks my heart that the Jewish people are getting torn apart.
And the look in the United States is horrific when Israelis are coming out with these statements. And what do all the poor soldiers think of this? They are being put in a terrible position risking their lives to defend their country and then made out to be the bad guys! Fellow Jew, referring to them as baby killers!! I just keep praying every day with the increased ground mission in Gaza that they will find some of the hostages.
And then to top it all off, tonight I saw that Katie Couric reposted the United Nations post talking about all of the babies in Gaza that are dying by the hour with no food going in. It just gets worse and worse.
What’s it actually like over there? Is there any sense of people coming together? Is there any unity in the country left at all?
Please tell me this isn’t hopeless and never-ending.
thinking of you every day and all of our family and all of Israel.
Bryna Miller
Janet responds to Bryna Miller:
Dear Bryna Miller,
Thank you so much for your message (and all your previous ones!) It truly means a lot to know you’re thinking of us and of Israel, especially during such dark and depressing times…to say the least!
I wish I could tell you that things here feel better than they look from the outside, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. Daily life is heavy — there’s a constant mix of heartbreak, outrage, frustration and often hopelessness. We’re all trying to carry on with our routines — work, family, school, fun (often feeling guilty for even going out to enjoy a show or anything else). It’s like there’s a weight pressing down on everything — almost every day.
Like you wrote, the country is more divided than ever, and that’s one of the most painful parts. It’s not just politics anymore; we have long lost our ability to speak to each other with any empathy (boy, that’s an understatement). I’m guilty as charged!!! Social media and the news cycle amplify the worst voices and drown out the more moderate ones. And of course fake news is everywhere – it’s so outrageous and frustrating for us when we hear the lies being broadcast…and BELIEVED!!! It even gets exhausting for us to scream out…post…write, etc. to somehow help people separate the truth from distortion and outright lies.
The accusations you mentioned are really infuriating. To see fellow Jews making such horrific claims about Israel murdering babies for a hobby is beyond upsetting, even though the politician who said this walked it back and said he wasn’t referring to soldiers (but whoever hears or reads a correction — the damage was done). Israel, as always, is trying to do the right thing under impossible conditions and circumstances (again, to say the least). Of course there is suffering in Gaza too. We all see it. And we grieve for every innocent life lost. But the truth is far more complex than what most of the headlines suggest.
At the same time, we are incredibly grateful for people like you, Bryna — people who are not afraid to speak up, share the truth, offer perspective, and stand strong on social media. It may not feel like much, but it’s hugely important!!!! The misinformation is relentless, and every voice that speaks clearly and honestly makes a difference!!!!
Please keep posting and correcting all the false narratives. And please impress upon your friends that silence is not neutral — it’s complicity. We need everyone who cares to push past the “I’m never on social media” excuse and realize that in this day and age, that’s exactly where the battle for truth is happening!!! That being said, here in Israel, things will change only with a leadership change.
Finally, as I’m sure you saw when you were here, even though things are so dark and depressing, the unique Israeli spirit still exists — as corny as it sounds. (I know you know what I’m talking about!) It’s so incredible…the number of volunteer groups and initiatives that have sprung up. It’s almost impossible to keep up with — groups, organizations, and individuals helping evacuees, supporting soldiers, comforting bereaved families, organizing meals, donating money and supplies, even providing massages on base to reservists who have been serving for months at a time. You name it. Again…I know it sounds corny, but this is what gives us hope and makes life more bearable these days. There’s a reason for the slogan: AM YISRAEL CHAI!!!!!!
So, Bryna, thanks again for caring — even sharing your thoughts and concern and writing “checking in” is not taken for granted. Not at all. Just the opposite. It’s more meaningful than you can imagine.
Love,
Janet
