Letter from Tel Aviv

Dear Nirmeen,

You don't know me but since Orli forwarded me your e-mail today I can't stop thinking about you and your family. I'm sitting to write you but the screen remains empty as I hardly find words to use.

I could write as an Israeli who want to apologize for your suffer done by us, by Israelis; I could write as a Tel Aviv resident living his quiet and comfortable life as people in Gaza are under terrible attack.

But I found your words as a mother touching my very basic anxieties and hopes. I have four kids: Three boys and one, Yasmin, 8 years old girl. I find so powerful your questions to yourself and by that to me too. I'm sure you're doing all you can to protect your kids and still not sure if you're a good mother. I think these questions proof you're the best mother. I hope Nour will soon acknowledge you're doing your best under awful conditions. I wish Ali will be able to breathe smoothly and not suffer from fear any more.

Living in Israel, in a colonialist society, raises these questions often even though from the point of view of the oppressor. I keep asking myself what the best way to raise my kids is. Since the current attack on Gaza began I find myself in a dilemma regarding my young kids. On one hand they don't really feel the war and if they hear something about it almost everyone are supporting the crimes here. On the other hand I don't want to ignore it and "let them live their beautiful childhood".

I decided to take them to the demonstrations against the war. So two days ago we were there at the centre of Tel Aviv calling Israel to stop the attack. One woman approached us and started to yell the usual racist Israeli slogans. Noam, my five years old boy, ran to her and shouted back: "Shut up ugly Zionist!" I hugged him and explained that this woman knows only what she's been told by so many lies and it's not her fault.

I don't know if I'm doing the right thing with them. I can just hope the three younger will follow their oldest brother and refuse to serve in the army.

In two hours a new year begins in Palestine and Israel. Friends called me to join a celebration for it. I'm afraid it's not time for celebrations.

I hope we could meet soon and celebrate in better life for you and for us too.

Warm greetings from Palestine to you and all your family and hope you'll be safe and calm.

Eitan Bronstein