Orit Strock Reflects on Personal and National Transformation
Israeli Minister Orit Strock shared personal reflections on her life's journey, from her religious "teshuva" (return to religious observance) to her current role in the cabinet, drawing parallels between her personal transformation and what she perceives as a "great national תשובה" (return/repentance) for Israel following the October 7th attacks. Strock recounted an experience from her youth where her parents, who were secular and leaned left-wing, reacted with dismay when she identified as "Israeli" rather than "Jewish" at a seminar. They explained that her Jewish identity, as part of an ancient people, preceded all others, a lesson that profoundly shaped her. This foundational experience, she believes, is now mirrored in Israel's current national introspection.
Strock described her upbringing as a blend of tradition and secularism, with her father observing Shabbat rituals while the family also engaged in modern activities. Her "teshuva" began in her youth, leading to a period of isolation as she distanced herself from her previous social circles. She later discovered her mother had orchestrated a friendship to support her during this challenging transition, highlighting a family dynamic of deep love despite ideological disagreements. These debates continued even after Strock married and moved to Hebron, a settlement in the West Bank, where her parents, though disagreeing with the settlement movement, continued to support her and her family.
Living in Hebron, Strock stated, significantly shaped her security perspective, particularly after her four children were injured in separate attacks. She recounted the difficulty of continuing daily life after such events, emphasizing that the sacrifices made in places like Hebron were for a "huge, important, historic" cause, such as enabling Jews to freely access the Cave of the Patriarchs. This experience, she explained, taught her to be actively involved in security matters, rather than assuming authorities would handle everything.
Reflecting on her current role in the cabinet, Strock noted a shift in approach since October 7th, describing a more engaged and questioning environment compared to previous years. She mentioned her efforts to raise security concerns before the attacks and her current commitment to thoroughly examining all information. Strock also drew a parallel between the destruction of terror infrastructure in Lebanon and the construction of new neighborhoods as minister of settlement affairs, calling it a "great national תשובה." She expressed concern about the upcoming elections, warning that a different government could reverse current gains and emphasizing the importance of maintaining Israel's Jewish character over a "state for all its citizens" model, particularly in relation to potential partnerships with Arab political factions.
Strock also addressed her public image, stating that the "demonized" persona often portrayed in the media does not reflect the real person. She expressed sympathy for those who believe this negative portrayal, suggesting it causes them more harm than it causes her. As the interview concluded, Strock reiterated her hope for the nation to make the right choices, continuing on a path of "great national תשובה," and stressed that the people's choices shape the nation's actions and destiny.
