Be Like Avinatan / Hanokh Daum

Hanokh Daum argues in his column that public debates in Israel are not truly a clash of opposing opinions, but rather an adoption of parallel narratives. As an example, he cites Avinatan Or, who returned from Gaza, who managed to hold together two seemingly contradictory schools of thought on the hostage deal issue: both the desire to return hostages at any cost and the fear that a deal would lead to more hostages in the future. Daum calls for adopting 'Avinatan Or's muscle' – the ability to see people and believe in the good.

Hanokh Daum argues in his column that a large part of public debates in Israel are not truly a clash of opposing opinions, but rather an adoption of parallel narratives. He cites as an example Avinatan Or, who returned from Gaza, who was interviewed on 'Uvda' for the release of his book. Daum claims that Or managed to hold together two seemingly contradictory schools of thought on the hostage deal issue: both the understanding and identification with those who said a government must return its abducted sons at any cost, and the understanding and identification with those who said that if the price would be more hostages in the future, the deal is not good. Daum calls for adopting 'Avinatan Or's muscle' – the ability to see people and believe in the good, without being naive. He notes that Or lives in different worlds, grew up in a religious and faithful home and chose a different path, which allows him to find beauty and not fear the other. In conclusion, Daum writes about other former hostages who still need a hug and support.