A short time before the present conflict between Israel and Hamas, I asked some of my Israeli friends to answer interview questions that I sent them with the aim of helping people who live outside of the conflict understand the feelings, ideas, and the reality of those living within the conflict. I sent the interview to Jewish and Arab friends who are citizens of Israel. My idea was to simply post their answers. My friends were more than happy to comply. Here is the first interview. Please keep in my mind that the opinions reflect the interviewees who are normal people and not politicians, whether or not you agree with them. I have changed the names of those who are being interviewed.

How do you define yourself? (Your ethnicity, nationality, religion, politics.) Are you married? What’s your profession?

My name is Sarah and my husband is David. We are an Israeli – Jewish couple, happily married for three years. We look forward to the birth of our first born daughter in November. My husband, David is an engineer and university Lecturer and I am a choreographer and a dance group manager.

Where are you from and where do you live now? Can you tell a little of your family background?

We were both born in Israel and now live in the northern part of Israel near the sea. Both of our parents were born in Israel. 

My grandparents were born in Yemen and immigrated to Israel in the early 20th century, when they were children as the result of persecution.

David’s grandparents on his mother’s side are survivors of the Holocaust from Hungary and immigrated to Israel after the Second World War. David’s grandfather on his father’s side was born in Turkey and immigrated to Israel as a small child. David’s grandmother on his father’s side was born in Israel, and is the sixth generation of his family in the country. 

What do you love about your land that you would like others to be able to experience?

It is important for us to speak about Israel first as a democratic country. It is a great privilege to grow up and get a liberal – democratic education in Israel. 

In Israel the majority is Jewish, with wide minority groups of Christians, Druze Muslims, Bedouin Tzrksim and more. Not all of us are share the same opinions, but that’s the beauty of democracy where you express your opinion freely in order to be heard and make a change. This is cannot be taken for granted, specially when living in the Middle East. The Israeli people are warm hearted, generous and honest towards each other.

Israelis are raised to believe in and pursue peace, education, cooperation, understanding and sympathy for others while maintaining the tradition and values of home. 

The nation of Israel is strong, with deep historical roots and most of all with great hope in the good. We are unified with a tremendous sense of solidarity, partnership, understanding and support for one another, especially in the current situation of today. 

It is important for us to let the world know that we believe in life, we believe in love, and we use those things as our guidelines for life.

What do you think people in other countries may think about Israel?

People who are not familiar with the history of Israel, or know Israel only from world media see mostly one side of the situation and develop negative ideas about Israel. What they see is an aggressive and violent county rather than a country defending itself. Unfortunately, Israel is under attack and not by choice. 

What about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas?

I think that It is important to clarify that Israel has nothing against the Palestinian people. Unfortunately for them they are controlled by a radical militant terrorist group called Hamas. This terror group not only shows extreme terror against Israel but also against their own people. They are controlling their people with fear and violence, not letting them have the chance to live in peace, or to prosper in life.

I also believe that it is important to clarify that the Gaza Strip is not occupied! Israel’s goal is not to conquer it! The main problem is the terror organizations, and Hamas, which is the head terror organization. These organizations send rockets aimed at Israeli communities in order to harm civilians. They are digging tunnels into the Israeli territory in order to kill and kidnap innocent people. For that reason Israel has the right to defend itself. 

The State of Israel developed a defense system of alarms and an anti-missile interception system that has been at work for fourteen years!!! Without this protecting system we would have many more casualties. 

Regrettably last month this terrorist group carried out a horrible massacre of three young Israeli boys and launched long-range missiles towards Israeli cities. This has left Israel with no choice but military operation. 

Hamas is using their people as human shields. They are launching their missiles out of people’s houses, out of schools and hospitals. They are terrorizing their own people by forcing them and their children to stay where these missiles are being launched, instead of leaving. Israel will not intentionally harm the innocent. 

Israel has cooperated three times and agreed to a cease-fires, however during the cease-fire Hamas”continued to launch rockets and to oppose any action of peace. Because of this the government of Israel decided to go with military action on the ground in order to bring peace and security to the citizens of Israel. The purpose of the operation is to defeat Hamas, block tunnels and destroy armories and not to conquer Gaza. This is a war.  A war against terrorism. 

No country would sit still and allow a terrorist organization to fire missiles at its civilians and undermine the security of ALL of its citizens: Jews, Christians, Muslims, Bedouin Tzrksim etc … Which other country, during war, provides the other side with food, water, electricity, fuel, medicines and treatment for the wounded? 

Israelis do not want destruction and we do not want war. 

What are your thoughts about the Peace Process at this time?  Do you have hope for peace between Israelis and Palestinians?

David and I believe in the process of dialogue and peace with the Palestinian people. Unfortunately, Hamas incites the Palestinian people against Israel, making it difficult to try any act of mediation and or to achieve a relative peace. We wish the Palestinian people strength to fight the terror groups and free themselves from Hamas and all other terror organizations. 

We always have hope for peace and are strong believers in this way as the only way for to live together. We hope to have a true partner on the other side who also believes this and has great courage and understanding that both sides must compromise. 

Do you want a separate Palestinian State? Why or why not?

Yes, there should be a separated state for the Palestinians. We want the Palestinians to live good and happy lives, but as long as Hamas is there it will never be.  

Many people don’t understand that Gaza is not in Israel or part of Israel in any other shape or form!!! Nevertheless Israel provides them with jobs, water, food, medicines, medical services, fuel and electricity. 

Do you think that most Israelis want peace with Palestinians?

Definitely! There are different political views and conditions for peace. This is a democracy. However the goal for all is peace.  To live and let live is our motto.

Do you think that most Palestinians want Peace with Israel?

We believe that deep inside they want this but since they are controlled by terror groups they are afraid to show this.

What do you think about the union between Fatah and Hamas?

We think it is a mistake since Hamas is very extreme and militant. There are many disagreements between the two groups

What are your hopes for the future of your country?

We wish Israel quiet days and a more secure future. We wish Israel to keep growing, to be united, strong and an example to the world as peace makers.

Do you have any thoughts about your current government and/ new president?

The current government is trying to protect the citizens of Israel. We stand by all the decision taken so far on the current situation. We support our government fully.

Do you have any thoughts about the war in Syria? Does this effect you?

We think it is unbearable to think how a country leader can do such things to his own people. With regards to Israel, we let refugees and injured Syrian civilians enter Israel in order to supply them with medical health and proper treatment. 

There has been lots of talk about Israel and a nuclear Iran. What do you think?

The Iranian threat is still here and the world must have its eyes opened.

What are your plans for this summer?

Beyond routine work, we have traveled to Greece and plan to spend time at the beach in Israel, eating watermelons, and enjoying music and dance in festivals. Unfortunately many programs from abroad were canceled due to the the situation in the country.

We are registered in a political association called “A New Way” that supports bringing people (Arabs and Jews) closer together. We are volunteers in all kinds of events that seek understanding of one another and dialogue with each other.

Beyond that, another exciting thing that we will do this summer is preparing the baby’s room.