By Barrett Holman Leak
LA JOLLA, California — The people of Israel have been changed and are ready for a change after more than a year of trauma, loss and the Israel-Hamas war, according to Israeli journalist Tal Schneider, who spoke at the Lawrence Family JCC. After an introduction by former Port Commissioner Laurie J. Black, the public had the opportunity to hear from the journalist during “An Evening with Tal Schneider” at the Lawrence Family JCC on Monday night.
Tal Schneider’s identity and commitment are deeply intertwined with her roles. She describes herself as “first an Israeli, second a mother, and third a journalist.” This profound connection to her country informs her work, making her perspectives invaluable during these tumultuous times. Her son is an IDF soldier and Schneider shared that he finally, to her relief, returned unharmed from fighting in Gaza and now, after a brief rest, is in Syria, where Israel is creating a buffer zone in the Golan Heights.
Schneider’s career is marked by her dedication to journalism and her unwavering commitment to truth. She has served as Ma’ariv’s Washington correspondent, covering several U.S. election cycles, and has run an influential political blog. Her insightful analysis and fearless reporting have earned her prestigious awards, including the 2012 Google Digital Excellence in Journalism Award and the 2015 Ometz Award for courage in the public sphere and integrity.
Schneider is also a founding member of Israel’s Journalism Association and the Israel Women Reporters Society. With over 160,000 followers, she is a senior features politics writer and a key figure in digital and social media platforms. Her work has not only informed but also inspired many, both in Israel and internationally.
As the Political and Diplomatic Correspondent for the Times of Israel, Schneider has long been recognized as a leading voice in Israeli journalism. Known for her incisive analysis and comprehensive coverage of Israel’s political landscape, Schneider provides crucial insights in times of crisis.
In Monday evening’s conversation, she explained the social situation on the ground in Israel since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. “For Israelis, there was life before; then there is NOW,” she said.
The people of Israel are currently living in a state of limbo, haunted by the October 7, 2023 murders and the more than year-long fate of 101 hostages and an unknown number of dead, she said. The inability to bury Israelis’ dead is a source of immense distress and trauma, overshadowing all other concerns. For Israelis, this issue is paramount.
Israelis are seeking peace and a better life, yet these aspirations are blocked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the Israel-Hamas War and his long-delayed corruption trial, she said. The investigation of Netanyahu began in 2016. On November 21, 2019, Netanyahu was officially indicted for breach of trust, accepting bribes, and fraud, leading him to legally relinquish his ministry portfolios other than prime minister. Netanyahu’s trial in the Jerusalem District Court began on May 24, 2020, with witness testimony starting on April 5, 2021. He did not take the stand until December 10, 2024 – defiantly calling the charges against him “absurd” and vowing to defeat them. While he makes his case for weeks from the stand, he will be responsible for directing the war in Gaza, overseeing a buffer zone with Syria in the Golan Heights, preserving a fragile ceasefire with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and monitoring threats from the wider Middle East, including Iran.
While nearly all of the international focus is on the actions of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Schneider underscored the importance of civilian experiences.
“While we hear mostly about the IDF, there are so many stories about Israeli civilians, the people on the ground,” she noted.
These untold stories of resilience and survival are often overshadowed by political rhetoric and military news. She pointed out that Israeli citizens are weary of the high death toll and the ongoing conflict, yearning for a resolution.
Schneider revealed that Israelis are as much in turmoil about Netanyahu as Americans are about the incoming President. Donald Trump. She also said that the public is as divided between extreme right conservatives and more moderate Israelis, as Americans are divided between extreme right wing conservatives and Americans who are moderate to liberal.
I asked her if there was any discussion about how to get people to end the polarization and engage in more pluralistic discussions, listening to one another and finding consensus. The answer was no.
“In the current political climate, politicians are attacking judges and civil workers, branding them as members of the “deep state.” Schneider shared.
Despite these challenges, the Israeli press is working tirelessly to fulfill its duty to uncover and report the truth. Schneider expressed deep concern over the government’s attempts to impose limits on the press, stressing the essential role of journalism in highlighting human rights issues, especially in Gaza.
Using a map, Schneider illustrated Israel’s precarious geopolitical position, surrounded by what she termed the “Ring of Fire” – Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, and Egypt. This reality underscores the complex and dangerous environment in which Israel operates, complicating efforts to achieve peace and stability
As Israel navigates these turbulent times, voices like Schneider’s are crucial in providing clarity and perspective from all sides. Her insights not only shed light on the current crisis but also remind us of the resilience and determination of the Israeli people. Schneider’s observations highlight the profound impacts of the October 7 attack, the ongoing political struggles, and the essential role of the press in upholding democracy and human rights.
In conclusion, Schneider’s reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of journalistic integrity and the need for a free press, especially in times of crisis. Her dedication to reporting the truth, regardless of the challenges, exemplifies the vital role of journalism in society. As Israel and its citizens continue to seek peace and stability, Schneider’s voice remains a beacon of truth and resilience.
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Barrett Holman Leak is an author, educator, and community organizer.