fbpx
[additional-authors]
September 27, 2019
Photo by Joe Mabel

It is an ideal of most societies to support and respect those who defend it – namely, the police and the military. That is why when someone speaks out against these institutions, things get a bit heated. Today, in many societies there are indeed movements that put into question the integrity of these institutions.

Here in Israel, one of the most controversial organizations, Breaking the Silence, has made it its mission to, “expose the Israeli public to the reality of everyday life in the Occupied Territories. […] to stimulate public debate about the price paid for a reality in which young soldiers face a civilian population on a daily basis, and are engaged in the control of that population’s everyday life. [their] work aims to bring an end to the occupation.”

Avner Gvaryahu served in the Orev Unit in the Paratroopers and is currently the Executive Director of Breaking the Silence. We are excited to be joined by Avner today on the podcast to talk about our troops and the morality (or immorality) of the occupation.

Breaking the Silence website
Avner’s Twitter

RSS Subscribe
Direct Download

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

Dealing With Mamdani

His nomination dramatically underscores the tensions within the Democratic Party over Israel and the burgeoning growth of anti-Zionist sentiment among progressive voters.

A Deafening Silence

A Jewish woman burned to death on American soil. The violence wasn’t random. It was ideological, premeditated, and still, almost no one says her name.

Refreshing Summer Salads

Bright, earthy and deeply refreshing, this salad brings together the forest-like aroma of fresh herbs with a sweet and nutty crunch.

Print Issue: Reclaiming American Values | July 4, 2025

“American values” was once shorthand for the animating ideals of liberal democracy. Now it’s become politicized. As we celebrate July 4th, Jews must lead the way in reclaiming an idea that is meant to unite us, not divide us.

Why Jews Must Reclaim American Values

“American values” was once shorthand for the animating ideals of liberal democracy. Now it’s become politicized. As we celebrate July 4, Jews must lead the way in reclaiming an idea that is meant to unite us, not divide us.

Dawn of a New Era in the Middle East

The ceasefire that President Trump brokered is the second crucial step in that process, not the end of the story but the start of a new chapter.

More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.