Becoming Citizens of Conscience: Lessons from Israeli Dissidents

Confronting Complicity in a Troubling Landscape

When one's nation becomes synonymous with oppression and injustice, it's a heavy burden for its citizens to bear. As I reflect on the moral questions posed by the likes of Michael Sfard, a human rights lawyer in Israel, I am compelled to investigate what responsibility entails. These Israeli citizens challenge us to rethink our own roles when confronted with national policies we cannot support, yet benefit from.

“In a free society, all are involved in what some are doing.” — Abraham Joshua Heschel

Much like the U.S. grapples with its own imperfections—border policies that traumatize families, and military actions that tarnish its international reputation—the conversation about complicity is paramount. The thread connecting these two nations is a moral obligation that often feels unbinding amidst the structures of power and privilege.

The Emotional Toll of National Identity

During my conversations with disenchanted Israelis, I encountered a spectrum of emotion—from guilt to rage, and often despair. Many grapple with the weight of their citizenship in a country conducting atrocities. This introspection leads one to wonder: What am I complicit in? The appeal of dissidence burns brighter when faced with reports of human suffering, particularly the staggering realities of the Palestinian experience under the current Israeli administration.

Voices from the Heart of Israel

As I ventured into Tel Aviv's cafes, a stark duality became apparent. Patrons sipping their espressos are often blissfully unaware of the devastation occurring just miles away. While Michael Sfard passionately raises his voice in courtrooms, he also internalizes the contradiction of his existence: “As a citizen and a resident, I benefit.” This benefit, steeped in ethics, becomes a moral quagmire as he weighs the absence of action against the perilous repercussions of speaking out.

Bravery Amidst Chaos

The courage displayed by activists like Ella Keidar Greenberg illustrates the stakes. At just 16, she pledged to refuse military service, proclaiming, “I am not willing to take part in the genocide in Gaza.” Her words resound with urgency, challenging others to examine their own involvement in state-sponsored violence. Greenberg's determination shines as a beacon for those who have internalized guilt, yet feel paralyzed by fear. It raises the question: What are we willing to sacrifice to confront systems of oppression?

The Feminine Face of Resistance

Noam Shuster-Eliassi embodies another facet of resistance. Living in Wahat-al-Salam/Neve Shalom, a community where Jewish and Palestinian families coexist, she portrays the possibility of hope against the tide of fear. The complexity of Israeli identity pushes her to reject the notion that empowerment comes without accountability. From her vantage, prosperity cannot exist while enabling systemic injustice. To be a good citizen of a bad state involves, as she articulates, a deliberate choice between action and inaction.

Lessons for America

This tapestry of perspectives from Israeli dissidents holds valuable lessons for Americans confronting their own societal dilemmas. From the high seas where diplomatic negligence leads to bloodshed, to governmental policies that betray humanitarian principles, our responsibility remains steadfast. The emotional wrestling between guilt and action must become central to our national discourse.

A Call to Action

If we seek to change the narrative of compliance to one of resistance, we must be willing to engage in uncomfortable conversations. How can we redefine citizenship such that it does not inherently mean endorsement of the state's actions? I urge Americans to take cues from these Israeli voices, to interrogate our own complicity, and to act decisively—whether through protest, dialogue, or advocacy. Our identity as citizens is a right not to be squandered amidst the quietude of complicity.

Toward a More Reflective Future

As we navigate an increasingly polarized world, the reflections of Israeli dissidents encourage a paradigm shift focused on the intersection of identity, action, and accountability. For every decision to remain silent or complacent, let us adopt the mantle of responsibility portrayed by those confronting injustices within their own communities. What do we stand for, and what lengths will we go to protect those tenets of humanity?