Israel Bleeds from Within: When a Society Turns on Itself

The wave of violence that erupted like a volcanic explosion this week and swept through Israel is a stark indication of a society undergoing collective trauma. When a society is subjected to prolonged institutional abuse, by the state, law enforcement, leadership, and even more intensely since the declaration of a semi-imagined state of war, it inevitably begins to turn inward, against itself.

Much like in Lord of the Flies, isolation eventually pushes the children on the island to hunt each other. Here too, isolation is compounded by relentless pressure, economic, legal, and media-driven, within a hyper-feminized society (and the sexual pressures that come with it), making it increasingly difficult to maintain emotional stability.

I must admit that in the past, I struggled to understand those who act violently; especially men toward their partners, or women toward theirs. Today, it seems almost disturbingly normalized. I’ll confess: I myself was once assaulted by a former partner. The broader social context is far clearer to me now.

Add to this the mental health crisis in Israel, the collapse of support systems, the overwhelmed social services, the absorption of growing immigrant populations, and the alienation of those living outside Israel’s mainstream; and it is almost a miracle that Israel isn’t even more violent than it already is (as it once was, decades ago).

The state’s leadership has failed the people. And now, with no feasible way to hold those in power accountable, people are turning on each other, under the strain of a crushing, unsustainable reality.

This self-inflicted wound must end. Healing must begin; and it starts with us, as human beings. With compassion, hope, and honesty. Through real conversation, a kind word, a moment of connection beyond the circle of despair, and the courage to ask for help, to admit pain, anger, or shameful feelings.

Otherwise, they erupt - and we become slaves to violence, and in fact not only lose our Judaism, but also our humanity.