The language folks use to speak concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict has energy: It might contribute to misunderstanding and alienation, however it might probably additionally result in appreciation for ideas that may appear unattainable throughout this sort 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 mother and father had 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 youngsters born of such unions, I’ve felt like an outsider my whole life.
On weekends, my household often visited Palestinian households in Nazareth or accompanied Israeli pals to a kibbutz. Wherever we went, my mother and father coached us to regulate our identities to slot in. Amongst Palestinians, talking an excessive amount of Hebrew or making too many references to well-liked 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 aside from Judaism.
We had been like water, at all times reflecting the folks in entrance of us and hiding what was beneath.
I studied to turn out 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 manner, as if I needed to sacrifice a part of myself to achieve anybody. Now I write in English, which strikes me as extra impartial.
Throughout the present Israel-Hamas conflict, I’ve observed the phrases that folks on each side of the battle use and keep away from, and what these decisions say about their sense of identification 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 draw back from phrases akin to “apartheid” and “genocide,” as if utilizing the phrases could possibly be a primary step towards acknowledging injustices. And lots of Palestinians keep away from phrases akin to “battle” and “conflict” as a result of they imagine that Israel is answerable for the hostilities happening. Some Palestinians additionally eschew the time period “terrorism,” viewing Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, assault as professional resistance to occupation.
Semantic variations might 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 identical time every time potential to protect my hybrid identification and keep neutrality. For instance, once 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 manner of respecting each narratives.
I additionally draw on terminology from each 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 potential of coexistence. I see attempting 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 resolution is an empty American promise, and due to this fact permission for Israeli occupation. For a lot of Israelis, a two-state resolution 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 optimistic and a chance.
Amir Sommer is an award-winning poet and writer who divides his time between Berlin and California.
