At the end of the day, with all due respect, the Jews are the ultimate victims of the twentieth century.
Ari ShavitI thought of reaching out for progressive Israelis, progressive Americans, progressive American Jews - this was probably my main mission.
Ari ShavitOnly a few years ago did it suddenly dawn on me that my existential fear regarding my nationโs future and my moral outrage regarding my nationโs occupation policy are not unconnected. On the one hand, Israel is the only nation in the West that is occupying another people. On the other hand, Israel is the only nation in the West that is existentially threatened. Both occupation and intimidation make the Israeli condition unique. Intimidation and occupation have become the two pillars of our condition.
Ari ShavitAnyone who has a simplistic idea about the Middle East, or about the conflict, doesn't get it - because there are no simple answers. And anyone who is messianic, in a right-wing way or a left-wing way, is wrong too. The way forward is a kind of cautious, commonsense approach - a cautious, humble hope. No fantasies.
Ari Shavit