Un-silenced Joy: Balancing Celebration and Grief in Israel’s Ongoing Crisis
"We shouldn't judge someone who has endured hell, nor should we condemn those who see things differently. We're living through impossible times; it's no wonder nerves are raw."
By Joanna Landau
Do you recall the victory photo posted by Hamas leader Sinwar after Operation Guardian of the Walls? He sat in a plush armchair, surrounded by the rubble of destroyed buildings, smiling as if to say, "You've got nothing on me. You won't break my spirit. On the contrary, I'm smiling, and you'll hear from me again."
When Noa Argamani was kidnapped, leaving behind a heart-wrenching image on a motorcycle, I posted online that Israel's true victory photo would be her safe return. Upon her and three other hostages’ heroic rescue, our nation wept alongside her father and her late mother, who passed away just a few days after witnessing her beloved daughter's homecoming.
To me, the photograph of Noa and her father dancing, coupled with Noa's dedication of the celebration to those who can no longer join — those who would have "torn down the floor with their energy and vitality" — represents one of Israel’s victory images. I hope and believe there will be more to come.
Some Israelis struggled to connect with this display of love for life, viewing it as insensitive to others' ongoing anguish. Critics felt it inappropriate, given that 109 hostages still remain captive and thousands of families are still grieving. Last week, we learned that three more families have joined the circle of mourning, bringing the total of soldiers killed last weekend to seven.
I empathize with all perspectives. There's no clear right or wrong here — we shouldn't judge someone who has endured hell, nor should we condemn those who see things differently. We're living through impossible times; it's no wonder nerves are raw.
And yet, looking at Noa's smiling face, I believe she's sending Sinwar the same important message he conveyed to the Israeli leadership and people three years ago:
"You can't defeat us. You won't break our spirit. On the contrary, I‘m smiling, and you'll hear from us yet. We'll never stop dancing!"
** This article has been elaborated upon since it was first posted on Facebook by the author last week, as more IDF soldiers have been killed defending Israel — even over the last 24 hours.
JOANNA LANDAU is the best-selling co-author of “Ethical Tribing: Connecting the Next Generation to Israel in the Digital Era,” and a global expert on country branding.
From unpacking history and politics to navigating the nuances of family and personal relationships to finding the human angle on sports and entertainment — plus our unsparing take on what’s happening in the Jewish world — the canvas at JEWDICIOUS is limitless! JOIN US!!