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During the complex Independence Day period, we realized where the winds of hate are blowing in Israel. Even natural disasters, like the major fire that occurred on Independence Day, are exploited for incitement, spreading hatred and violence among us. On Memorial Day and the eve of Independence Day, when Israel was burning and begging for help from other countries, we witnessed Minister Ben-Gvir, who is in charge of the firefighting efforts, focus first and foremost on spreading rumors and fake news. Instead of engaging in firefighting efforts, he made baseless accusations against the Arab public in Israel. He knew that he was playing on fears and prejudices, and understood that he had nothing to lose. We all know that once a person is exposed to a lie that fuels existing prejudices, no facts will change their opinion. Exposure to the truth and facts will not heal the firm belief in the lie.
Unfortunately, media echoed the lie, and the fact that professionals determined that there were no intentional arson incidents did not help, and perhaps will not help.
This is one symbolic story of a state and society that are burning. The arsonists are government members and biased journalists who continue to stoke hatred and fear.
The recent cruel cut in teachers' salaries in the Jewish and Arab state education system succeeded in uniting students' parents and teachers. The symbolic teachers' strike in early May marked a red line, which we hope will not be crossed. A line of cynicism and malice was drawn by the current government, as the salaries of non-Haredi teachers were grossly cut, alongside a bill proposal that was brought up for a vote to raise the salaries of the prime minister, ministers, and Knesset members. If the drying up of the state education system in Israel has not been completed until now, this will be the step that breaks it. As an educational organization, Givat Haviva stands alongside teachers and educators and calls on the Ministry of Finance to reverse the shameful salary cuts for teachers who already earn low and sometimes humiliating wages.
Along with the announcement that we are facing an intensification of the war in Gaza and distancing from a deal for the return of the hostages and the end of the fighting, together with missile attacks that are successfully hitting Israel, we still seek to work for values of equality and shared society. We ask educators and students to rise above their reality and imagine a normal future. We ask them to do what the adults around them and their leaders are unable and unwilling to do.
And despite all this, we will continue.
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