"Before we could bring together more than a hundred thousand people": in Israel, peace activists have struggled to be heard since October 7

Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din

While more than six months have passed since the Hamas attack on October 7, Israeli activists for peace and living together are struggling more than ever to make their voices heard.

In the streets, the activists of the “Standing together” movement are easily recognizable with their purple t-shirts, but what is striking is their small number. There are only barely a few dozen of them. Alon-Lee Green is the co-director of this association, and describes a huge change. “Before October 7, we were able to bring together more than a hundred thousand people, but the trauma is very great and the propaganda we are fighting against is the one that tells us that it is them or us. The Palestinians or the Jews. We say no. They exist. So it’s either we all live free with dignity, equality and independence, or it’s mutual destruction.”

“Standing Together” calls in particular for the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip and the relaunch of the peace process, a voice that has been inaudible since October 7. Along the procession, a man, Daniel, advances with its Israeli flag but heads towards another rally, that for the release of the hostages. Above all, Daniel wants the end of Hamas and does not feel in agreement with the “Standing Together” activists. “I’m not with them. And yet I’m a leftist. I believe we have to show them that we are strong. Much, much stronger than they think. And once Hamas is on its knees, maybe we can consider an agreement and live together side by side But for now, I support the army and the reservists.

The activists of “Standing Together” know that in this context their fight is symbolic, but they still remain determined to make another voice heard.