Breaking the Silence Exhibit: The Combatant’s Story

Michael is 15 years old — he gets it. He hears loudly and clearly all our key messages: this information condemns no one but is raising alarms that should be heard by all who have a stake in Israel’s future.

Listen to this inspirational young man here:

Disclaimer: The opinions shown here do not represent the views of Shovrim Shtika/Breaking the Silence or that of its speakers. The opinions here belong to the individuals who voluntarily contributed these video clips.

Adam says he’s not a pacifist and that he believes many things can be justified for security, that many terrible things done throughout history were done in pursuit of a greater cause. That being said, Adam was troubled by a lot of the information given in the exhibit and says here that he doesn’t believe these things are justified.

Listen to his full testimony here:

Disclaimer: The opinions shown here do not represent the views of Shovrim Shtika/Breaking the Silence or that of its speakers. The opinions here belong to the individuals who voluntarily contributed these video clips.

Aliza, a congregant of a synagogue tour to our Philly exhibit, was deeply moved by the exhibit. She’s no stranger to the debate around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and much of the information here she’s seen before in one way or another.

But asked “Why an exhibit?” and “Why bring it to the States?” the answer is people like Aliza. They are committed already to being judicious and nuanced in their understanding of both sides, they support the security and well-being of all parties, and in this case come from a securely Jewish concern for Israel. When they encounter Breaking the Silence’s exhibit, the response is not disbelief. They understanding that the conflict is complicated. And that is also one of the biggest points of our exhibit.

Zach gets it. The simple purpose of this exhibit is to elucidate that there is no such thing as a free lunch, and the occupation bears a price tag. How much we pay is up to us — Americans, American Jews and ultimately Israelis. Zach doesn’t say whether he believes the occupation should end or continue or how long or in what areas. But he clearly understood that we’re here to contribute unique information to the political conversation around the occupation. And for that, we thank him.

Disclaimer: The opinions shown here do not represent the views of Shovrim Shtika/Breaking the Silence or that of its speakers. The opinions here belong to the individuals who voluntarily contributed these video clips.

This is Tony, who is very familiar with the issues of Israel, Palestine, occupation, and terrorism. He raises the very question which Breaking the Silence strives Israelis, American Jews and Americans to ask themselves: What is it like to be a young soldier with a very big gun, surrounded by potentially hostile Palestinians? The conditions of occupation cannot lead to anything except cases of abuse and humiliation. But what is the effect upon Israeli society of each soldier who must shoulder that cost?

And rightly so, Tony believes that American Jews are instrumental in the decision of keeping or changing the status quo. Will the occupation continue? For how long? In what areas? Is it worth the cost? This is why the Breaking the Silence exhibit has come to the states — ask us to examine these questions under the microscope, or perhaps through the weapons scope, of an average Israeli soldier.

Disclaimer: The opinions shown here do not represent the views of Shovrim Shtika/Breaking the Silence or that of its speakers. The opinions here belong to the individuals who voluntarily contributed these video clips.

Gordon visited the exhibit as a non-Jew amidst a larger crowd of Jewish attendees. What is most interesting about his reaction is his positive impressions of these soldiers for exposing the reality of the occupation. Contrary to what many Jews believe about admitting to the reality of the occupation — the fear that Israelis will be perceived as innate cruel occupiers and thus tarnish Israel’s reputation abroad — has contributed to his understanding of a dynamic, democratic Israel.

That being said, the mission of Breaking the Silence is not to bolster Israel’s public image. These soldiers demand that Israel and Israel’s supporters (America and American Jews in particular) be accountable to a reality that harms Israel, Israeli soldiers, and Palestinians as well. Being accountable does not mean “giving a rosy impression” of the Jewish State. Being accountable means future decisions acknowledge ugly truths about occupation.

Here is Gordon’s testimony:

Disclaimer: The opinions shown here do not represent the views of Shovrim Shtika/Breaking the Silence or that of its speakers. The opinions here belong to the individuals who voluntarily contributed these video clips.

We’re pleased to begin posted testimonials from the participants of our exhibit — hopefully from all walks of life, all streams of Jewish and American life, and even a broad range of political viewpoints. We hope that the videos of the exhibit tours and those of our guests will spark a fire in the debate around the occupation and the impacts of it on Israeli society.

We welcome your comments on these posts and you should feel free to contact us here.

Disclaimer: The opinions shown here do not represent the views of Shovrim Shtika/Breaking the Silence or that of its speakers. The opinions here belong to the individuals who voluntarily contributed these video clips.

Disclaimer: The opinions shown here do not represent the views of Shovrim Shtika/Breaking the Silence or that of its speakers. The opinions here belong to the individuals who voluntarily contributed these video clips.