The language folks use to speak in regards to the Israel-Hamas conflict has energy: It could possibly contribute to misunderstanding and alienation, however it will probably additionally result in appreciation for ideas that may appear unattainable throughout this type of battle, akin to peace.
I used to be born to a Palestinian Arab father and an Israeli Jewish mom — a union which may sound romantic at first. In actuality, my dad and mom have been the Romeo and Juliet of falafel stands. They couldn’t marry; interfaith marriages are unlawful in Israel, and their sort of romance is taboo within the Palestinian territories. As one of many few kids born of such unions, I’ve felt like an outsider my total life.
On weekends, my household often visited Palestinian households in Nazareth or accompanied Israeli pals to a kibbutz. Wherever we went, my dad and mom coached us to regulate our identities to slot in. Amongst Palestinians, talking an excessive amount of Hebrew or making too many references to standard Israeli books or music was typically frowned upon. With Israeli pals, I realized it was higher to chorus from talking Arabic and to downplay connections to religions apart from Judaism.
We have been like water, at all times reflecting the folks in entrance of us and hiding what was beneath.
I studied to grow to be a author and my early poetry was preoccupied with my seek for belonging. I wrote first in Hebrew after which in Arabic. For years, I wrote for Israeli audiences; later, I switched my focus to Arab audiences. But I felt incomplete both approach, as if I needed to sacrifice a part of myself to succeed in anybody. Now I write in English, which strikes me as extra impartial.
Throughout the present Israel-Hamas conflict, I’ve observed the phrases that individuals on either side of the battle use and keep away from, and what these decisions say about their sense of id and belonging. A few of my Israeli pals, even those that take into account themselves left-wing, say issues like “There’s no such factor as Palestinians; that place by no means existed,” a sentiment that echoes that of some Israeli leaders. Equally, some Palestinian leaders deny Israel’s existence, and a few of my Palestinian pals insist that my mom isn’t an Israeli, only a Jew.
What folks don’t say is simply as related. Many Israelis shrink back from phrases akin to “apartheid” and “genocide,” as if utilizing the phrases could possibly be a primary step towards acknowledging injustices. And plenty of Palestinians keep away from phrases akin to “battle” and “conflict” as a result of they imagine that Israel is liable for the hostilities going down. Some Palestinians additionally eschew the time period “terrorism,” viewing Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, assault as respectable resistance to occupation.
Semantic variations will be signaled in nonverbal methods too, particularly on social media. The watermelon emoji, for instance, with colours just like the Palestinian flag’s, is used to sign help for Gaza, whereas the yellow ribbon emoji is used to point help for Israel.
I’ve realized to make use of each teams’ phrases for one thing on the similar time every time doable to protect my hybrid id and preserve neutrality. For instance, after I communicate of the holy metropolis, I name it “Jerusalem-Al-Quds,” embracing each its Israeli and Palestinian names. I exploit the phrases “Nakba” and “institution of Israel” in the identical sentence. That is my approach of respecting each narratives.
I additionally draw on terminology from either side in my writing, recognizing that the weaponization of language traps folks in denial. It causes them to mistake the sunshine of empathy for darkness, a lot as in Plato’s allegory of the cave, and overlook the opportunity of coexistence. I see making an attempt to liberate phrases from their cages as a part of my job.
As a result of if we are able to’t talk about our ache and struggling, it’s no shock that we see peace as a type of weak spot or give up.
For a lot of Palestinians, the two-state answer is an empty American promise, and due to this fact permission for Israeli occupation. For a lot of Israelis, a two-state answer is a precursor to a different Oct. 7 bloodbath. I can’t blame any of them for his or her fears and traumas. However I hope to be one of many many individuals who assist them perceive the phrase “peace” as a constructive and a chance.
Amir Sommer is an award-winning poet and writer who divides his time between Berlin and California.
