Ignoring Massacres in Gaza City While Protesting for Democracy in Tel Aviv, Hanin Majadli. Key Points. Haaretz
Brief introduction of Hanin Majadli
Hanin Majadli
Hanin Majadli is a Palestinian Israeli journalist and editor at Haaretz, Israel's liberal-leaning newspaper. She holds a bachelor's degree in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic and Islamic Studies from Tel Aviv University.
As an opinion columnist, Majadli focuses on the experiences and challenges of Arab-Palestinian communities in Israel, examining their complex relationships with the state and its Jewish citizens. She gives particular attention to the history of the Nakba and its deliberate omission from Israel's social and political narrative.
In her role as editor of Haaretz's Arabic edition, Majadli aims to broaden the reach of alternative Israeli perspectives, presenting journalistic work that diverges from mainstream Israeli media.
Before joining Haaretz, Majadli founded a popular spoken Arabic school in Tel Aviv, promoting Arabic language and culture. She has also been active in addressing political and social issues facing Palestinian society in Israel and has contributed as a guest writer to various Israeli publications.
Majadli maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where she shares insights related to her work and interests.
In April 2024, she participated in a discussion at the International Journalism Festival, addressing the challenges of covering domestic conflicts from both Jewish and Palestinian perspectives.
Hanin Majadli's article in Haaretz, titled "Ignoring Massacres in Gaza City While Protesting for Democracy in Tel Aviv," critically examines the tension between Israel's internal democratic struggles and its military actions in Gaza. Here’s a detailed overview with key points:
1. Core Argument:
- Majadli questions how Israelis can advocate for democracy and human rights domestically while seemingly ignoring the large-scale loss of Palestinian lives in Gaza. She highlights the moral inconsistency in protesting for democratic values in Tel Aviv while overlooking the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
2. Domestic Protests for Democracy:
- The article references widespread protests in Israel against the government's judicial reforms, which many believe threaten democratic institutions. Protesters emphasize the importance of human rights, equality, and the rule of law.
- Majadli acknowledges the legitimacy of these protests but critiques the lack of attention to the suffering of Palestinians under Israeli military actions.
3. Gaza Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis:
- The author draws attention to the high civilian casualties in Gaza, describing the situation as a "massacre."
- Majadli argues that the scale of destruction and loss of life in Gaza undermines Israel's claims to uphold democratic and humanitarian values.
4. Moral and Ethical Dilemma:
- The article raises a moral question:
Can a society truly be democratic if it ignores the suffering of others, particularly those under its control or affected by its policies?
- Majadli suggests that the defense of democratic principles must extend beyond domestic borders and include accountability for actions that harm civilians in conflict zones.
5. Critique of Israeli Society:
- The author critiques the selective focus of Israeli activists and society, arguing that their commitment to democracy and human rights appears incomplete when it excludes Palestinians.
- She calls for a broader understanding of justice that includes addressing the rights and suffering of Palestinians.
6. Call for Reflection and Action:
- Majadli urges Israelis to reflect on the ethical implications of their government's actions in Gaza and to demand accountability.
- She advocates for a more inclusive approach to democracy and human rights that considers the impact of Israeli policies on Palestinians.
7. Political Context:
- The article situates the discussion within the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the asymmetry of power and the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories.
- Majadli highlights the need for a political solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures justice for all parties involved.
Key Points Summary:
1. Moral Inconsistency: Protesting for democracy in Israel while ignoring Palestinian suffering in Gaza.
2. Domestic Protests: Focus on judicial reforms and democratic values within Israel.
3. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis: High civilian casualties and destrucion.
4. Ethical Dilemma: Can democracy coexist with ignoring the suffering of others?
5. Critique of Israeli Society: Selective focus on domestic issues over Palestinian rights.
6. Call for Reflection: Urging Israelis to consider the broader impact of their government's actions.
7. Political Context: The need for a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Majadli's article is a poignant critique of the disconnect between Israel's internal democratic struggles and its external military actions, calling for a more holistic and ethical approach to human rights and justice.
Source:
https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2025-03-21/ty-article-opinion/.premium/even-anti-war-israelis-are-scared-to-say-gazans-are-human-beings/00000195-b525-d862-a3b5-f53704750000
Comments