Thread by @mikopeled

My father was a famous Israeli general and I knew everything about our brave Israeli history.

But finally, I spoke with Palestinians who told me their stories. I resisted, but finally realized the truth about our history.

My latest at @Mondoweiss:

mondoweiss.net/2023/06/55-yea…

Americans, who give Israel billions of dollars each year, may be interested to know that May and June are monumentally difficult months in the collective memories of Israelis and Palestinians.

Israelis call it the War of Independence. Palestinians call it the Nakba or the Catastrophe which is commemorated in May.

In June Israelis celebrate the 1967 war, considered a massive victory for Israel. Palestinians mourn what they call the “Naksa,” which means setback

Finally, I learned from a Palestinian named George: “In 1948 the Zionist forces had outnumbered the Palestinian fighters four to one. We had about 10,000 men, poorly armed and poorly trained. The Zionists had a well-trained and well-armed militia of close to 40,000.”

“What? No, no, no! We were David in this David and Goliath scenario.” I had to insist. I remember stories of how we, the few, had defeated the well-armed Arabs. I heard stories from my father and his comrades in arms who participated in the battles.

I spoke with my brother Yoav and insisted these stories couldn't be true. “You should read Ilan Pappe and the other New Historians,” he suggested. “It looks like what the Palestinians are telling you is true.”

So now, during May & June, I feel an internal storm brewing. Similar to what I feel as Palestinians continue to tell me their stories. Never accusing, or waving their finger at me, just telling stories that the world does not want to hear

Full article:
mondoweiss.net/2023/06/55-yea…