Why I stand on Israel’s Memorial Day

Mairav Zonszein By Mairav Zonszein May 9, 2011 | Edit

Why I stand on Israel's Memorial Day

I stand still during the sirens of Memorial Day here in Israel.
Even if I am in my house and no one can see me.
Even though I oppose the IDF’s policies.
Even though I believe every soldier is responsible for his actions and can choose to refuse.

While in the West Bank recently, I overheard some Israeli anti-occupation activists
talking about how they never stand on Memorial Day.
How it is a ridiculous thing to do and would be wrong and hypocritical.

I think this is a self-negation of the country’s history
and a misunderstanding of one’s own identity as an Israeli activist.
The crime and tragedy of Israeli actions against Palestinians
does not preclude my sense of deep grief for lives sacrificed and lost –

I am an activist against the occupation.
I go to the West Bank and stand with Palestinians,
facing the army and the Israeli Jews who live there.
And I am not ashamed to stand still on Memorial Day,
and remember those who were killed
serving in an army which I actively oppose.

Mairav Zonszein

Mairav Zonszein is a journalist and editor who writes about Israel-Palestine and its role in U.S. politics. Her publications include The Guardian, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New York Review of Books, The Intercept, VICE News, Foreign Policy and many more.

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