"Let's talk democracy": flowers and flags, creating casual conversations between sectors

As part of an initiative that began a year and a half ago, called "Let's Talk Democracy", volunteers go out into the streets of Haifa and other places around the country, holding flowers and Israeli flags in order to initiate casual conversations with passers-by. The project aims to rebuild trust between the various sectors in Israel and strengthen democracy through honest and respectful conversations. The volunteers believe that an open and attentive dialogue is the key to creating a real dialogue between the citizens.

"It is worrying that there is still a large public that supports the leaders"

"We are all worried and pained by the direction Israel is going: it is going to a place that is not democratic and not good," says Moshe Katznelson, one of the leaders of the "Let's Talk Democracy" organization. "What is even more worrying is that there is still a large public that supports the leaders who take us in this direction. Sometimes it seems that there is no one to talk to, that the democratic camp will never be big enough to have an impact, but we believe that it is possible to change and expand the camp."

Katznelson explains that the project was born out of the understanding that open dialogue must be returned to the public discourse. "For almost a year and a half now, we have been going out every week to dozens of places throughout the country. We set up a booth near shopping centers, hand out a flower to passers-by and invite them to a conversation, not a lecture. A real conversation with a lot of listening, human connection, and talking about the situation in the country and democracy."

The goal is to increase the democratic camp

After hundreds of hours of conversation that took place throughout the country, Katznelson describes that the project has proven itself. "We see that it works, there is someone to talk to. People who start with a loud conversation end with a smile and a hug. There are those who come with suspicion or despair, and end with an in-depth discussion about democracy and how to build a better country here. We believe that change happens in small but sure steps, and that conversations Face-to-face is the most effective way to lead social change. Social networks or demonstrations don't make people change attitudes, but a real conversation brings openness and trust."

Katznelson emphasizes that the project is not content only with a discourse on democracy, but also focuses on restoring trust between people from different backgrounds. "We understand that there is no other way to increase the democratic camp other than to talk, listen and build relationships of trust. Social networks do not really change opinions, and demonstrations exacerbate the differences. Only a personal meeting on the street can build the trust and openness required for a new point of view."

Cross-sector discourse

Pia Rothstein, one of the main activities in the project in Haifa, says that Haifa was among the first cities to start operating as part of the project, which began in February 2023. Academics, teachers, engineers and various professionals, and we all see great importance in these human encounters."

questions of identity

Rothstein describes her experiences from conversations she had on the streets of Haifa, including a significant meeting with Haredim in Hadar. "We went out with flowers to the corner of Arlozorov and Michael streets. We met people from the ultra-Orthodox sector who were reluctant at first, and some of them even scolded the children who came to talk to us. But throughout the conversation we discovered that there was a lot of interest and listening. One of the most significant meetings was with an ultra-Orthodox girl who works in a secular kindergarten, who represented the potential of A shared life. Later I had a long conversation with two American ultra-Orthodox who were open to discussing a variety of issues, from the legal coup to questions of Jewish identity."

"We didn't agree on a lot"

Rothstein says that these conversations allow her to reach new understandings even in situations of deep disagreements. "The long and deep conversations with people from the ultra-Orthodox sector always provide an opportunity to learn and discover new positions. Even when we disagree, there is a desire to listen and learn from each other. Even though the conversation with those ultra-Orthodox ended with us not agreeing on much, it was instructive and respectful. It was clear to me that they see Judaism as Only religion, while I also see it as a nation. The discourse between us reflected these differences, but it also made it possible to maintain mutual respect."

"The project was born out of the protest movement against the government"

One of the active volunteers in the project, Kobi Donner, 35 years old from Haifa, tells why volunteering in "Let's Talk Democracy" is significant for him. "This project was born out of the protest movement against the current government, when we realized that the demonstrations are indeed important, but they do not reach the entire public, especially not those who think differently from us. Therefore, we decided to promote a direct and personal dialogue through open meetings in the street."

Donner, who comes from a Zionist and liberal background, emphasizes that volunteering gives him great hope. "I am the 18th generation in Israel, and I grew up on the values ​​of political activity and volunteering. The last few years, especially since the current government began to act, cause me deep distress. Volunteering gives me hope because I see that even among right-wing voters there are people who are willing to talk and listen, even if they are not Agree with me, this discourse makes it possible to find common points and build bridges."

Democracy and core studies

Doner says that during his activities he met diverse people, including ultra-Orthodox and boys of conscription age. In one of the meetings in the Gaola neighborhood, he spoke with an ultra-Orthodox man, a father of six children, who told him: "Let's first try to define what democracy is." The conversation developed into an in-depth discussion about democratic values ​​such as equality and human rights. "This conversation made me realize how many people are unaware of the basic values ​​of democracy. For some, democracy is just a form of government where the majority rules, but there is much more to it."

Donner adds that these meetings illustrate to him how important it is to educate about democratic values ​​and core studies. "People think of core studies in terms of science and English, but in my eyes education for the values ​​of equality, tolerance and peace is just as important. That's the only way we can build a good and prosperous society here."

There are also harsh reactions, but a lot of optimism

Although the conversations in the field are mostly positive, Donner points out that sometimes the volunteers also encounter harsh reactions, including cursing and swearing. "In one of the conversations, a young man who spoke with me asked if I didn't have a desire for revenge following the difficult events. This was hard to hear, because I believe that the desire for revenge does not lead us anywhere good. Our security will not improve if we act out of revenge, unless we promote human values ​​and moral leadership ."

Despite the difficulties, Donner describes that he derives optimism from the act itself. "Our actions give me hope. When we really listen, we are also listened to. Change is slow, but it is happening - and I believe that in the end we will succeed in improving the situation in the country."