I also reflect on my upbringing as a Jewish person and realize I was exposed to a skewed narrative about Israel throughout my life. It’s not uncommon to hear fellow Jews in America expressing a sense of being misled when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While they may not have been deliberately fed lies, there’s a notable absence of the full truth, leaving out the narrative and struggles of Palestinians.

Growing up in a Jewish community, whether attending Jewish schools, summer camps, or occasional synagogue visits, fosters a positive connection with Israel and its history. However, the depth of understanding regarding the Palestinian perspective is often lacking. When confronted with this narrative later in life, particularly on university campuses, where they encounter the human stories of suffering and resilience from Palestinians who share a common heritage, many feel a sense of betrayal or deception.

My own experience attending Jewish elementary and high schools, singing the national anthem and other patriotic songs, has led me to realize the extent of indoctrination. It’s imperative for educators, communities, and religious leaders to provide a balanced portrayal of the land and its complexities to prevent disillusionment among Jewish individuals.

Sugar-coating the truth isn’t the solution; rather, a comprehensive understanding of both Israeli and Palestinian struggles is essential. Presenting isolated narratives without context only perpetuates division and animosity. Both Israelis and Palestinians are victims of this selective portrayal, leading to a cycle of mistrust and animosity.

A genuine desire to help others is ingrained in Jewish tradition, emphasizing the importance of healing the world. Therefore, when confronted with the untold stories of Palestinian suffering, many Jews are compelled to reassess their stance on Israel and may gravitate towards anti-Israel sentiments, feeling morally conflicted.

Redirecting resources from conflict to peace-building efforts is crucial. Criticizing Israel’s policies doesn’t equate to being anti-Israel or anti-Jewish; it’s about advocating for justice and equality for all parties involved. Recognizing the interconnectedness of Israeli and Palestinian aspirations is key to fostering meaningful dialogue and progress.

Propagating a zero-sum mentality, where one side’s gain necessitates the other’s loss, only perpetuates conflict. Acknowledging the shared humanity and addressing the root causes of the conflict are fundamental steps towards reconciliation and lasting peace.”