A Settler’s Journey: How Shlomo Yitzchak Got Out Of Zionism
An Unexpected Change of Heart Of a former settler
In a powerful TikTok video, Shlomo Yitzchak, a former settler in the West Bank, shares the transformative moments that led him to question his Zionist beliefs and challenge the narrative surrounding Israel/Palestine.
Early Zionist Upbringing
Shlomo recounts his early years, growing up in a deeply Zionist environment and eventually studying in an all-male religious nationalist seminary in Jerusalem at the age of 20. This setting laid the foundation for his pro-Israel stance.
Encounter with Palestinian Perspective
While attending a program where Palestinians shared their experiences, Shlomo was confronted with the stark reality of life beyond the walls of his seminary. A Palestinian man’s account of navigating checkpoints and enduring hardships to reach Jerusalem left Shlomo questioning the narratives he had been raised on.
Awakening to Systemic Injustices
The revelation came when Shlomo grasped the daily struggles Palestinians faced, from lengthy checkpoint processes to restricted access to basic amenities. This encounter challenged his preconceptions and led him to consider a perspective he had never entertained before.
Facing Personal Bias
Shlomo describes his internal struggle when invited to visit Ramallah, a Palestinian city. The conditioned fear of Palestinians as potential threats initially surfaced, reflecting deeply ingrained biases. However, a second, more profound voice within him urged him to challenge his conditioning and explore the truth.
Crossing the Divide: A Journey to Ramallah
Despite initial hesitations, Shlomo embarked on a journey to Ramallah, entering the heart of Palestinian territories. He reflects on the powerful symbolism of crossing the checkpoint, seeing graffiti depicting a Palestinian child with a slingshot, challenging his preconceived notions of heroism.
Embracing Palestinian Identity
During his travels on a Palestinian bus, Shlomo shares how his sense of identity began shifting, even momentarily aligning with the struggles of those he had been conditioned to fear. The experience exposed him to the daily humiliations faced by Palestinians under occupation.
Confronting the Past
In a poignant moment, Shlomo recounts a conversation in a Palestinian bar, where a local patiently explained the severe restrictions on Palestinian movement. The realization hit him that most Palestinians had never seen Jerusalem, raising questions about the narratives he had grown up with.
The Crumbling of Conditioning
Shlomo concludes by challenging viewers to put themselves in the shoes of Palestinians and imagine their response to similar circumstances. He urges self-reflection and encourages a genuine examination of the narratives surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Call for Justice
Shlomo’s TikTok video serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative potential of confronting one’s biases and engaging with alternative perspectives. His journey from a settler with deep-rooted beliefs to a critical thinker emphasizes the importance of questioning narratives and striving for justice in the pursuit of peace.
