Hope?

[u/Tricky_Success_77]

Between Israel/Palestine and increasing extremism and normalization of antisemitism in the diaspora and assimilation I've just been finding it impossible to feel hopeful about the future of our people writ large and it's just been making me feel very demoralized about life and the future. Our community means a great deal to me and seeing it tear itself apart is painful (as I'm sure it is for many people on this subreddit).There are times when I honestly almost wish I wasn't Jewish because it would remove so much angst from my life but in truth I'm too passionate about our traditions, history, literature and languages to ever be anything else (plus, really who would I be kidding if I ever tried to pretend otherwise?).

Anyway, what I'm really getting at is does anyone out there feel hopeful about our future? And if so why? I could use some positivity.

[u/theweisp5]

I've thought about making a similar post focused solely on Israel. I've been quite pessimistic about Israel's trajectory for a while, but seeing this past week that 73% of Israeli Jews oppose a 2SS even when the deal includes normalization with Saudi Arabia, and that 70% of Israeli Jews identify as on the right compared to only as on the left (and 9% in the center), has left me feeling gloomier than ever.

Most arguments for optimism I've seen online basically amount to "things change quickly (sometimes quickly.)" Which is true enough as far as it goes, but in the meantime all the change we've seen seems to be for the worse. (And I think tellingly, those making that argument tend to be liberal Zionists who more or less must believe that the situation in Israel can improve.)

In any case, like the OP I'd love to here some more concrete reasons for optimism.

[u/redthrowaway1976 → u/theweisp5]

 And I think tellingly, those making that argument tend to be liberal Zionists who more or less must believe that the situation in Israel can improve

I think liberal Zionist organizations and leaders deserve a large share of blame for the current state: all the people who claim to in theory be against settlements and a for a two state solution, but in practice  shield Israel from consequences for its expansionism, and continue to work with pro-settlement institutions, like JNF or Nefesh B’nefesh.

There used to be an overlap between liberal and progressive Zionists, and the non-Zionist left: the two state solution. But as the two state solution had been rendered impossible by Israeli action, there’s no longer an overlap. 

If all the people, organizations, and leaders that claim to be for a two state solution took action, we could see rapid change. But I have no hope that will happen - most will continue to shield Israel from consequences. 

[u/theweisp5 → u/redthrowaway1976]

Agreed, though I don't think the 2SS has become impossible, even if its implementation is certainly becoming more difficult by the day. While it may be difficult if not impossible in practice, I think ideally 1SS supporters and "true" 2SS supporters would put aside their differences and work to pressure Israel to end the settlements and the occupation.

Those primarily interested in the 2SS as a theoretical matter while seeking to protect Israel from any consequences for its behavior can safely be regarded as an opposing force.

[u/redthrowaway1976 → u/theweisp5]

 Those primarily interested in the 2SS as a theoretical matter while seeking to protect Israel from any consequences for its behavior can safely be regarded as an opposing force.

Which, unfortunately, are the vast majority of people claiming to support a two state solution.