Bereaved Mother Launches Initiative to Combat Divisive Discourse in Israeli Society

Sarite Zusman, mother of the late Reserve Sergeant Ben Zusman who was killed in combat in the Gaza Strip, spoke to Channel 7 about "Hadibur" (The Speech), a project founded by bereaved families after the October 7 attacks. The initiative aims to promote respectful dialogue and counteract the internal divisions threatening Israeli society. Zusman emphasized that while the external enemy is known and mourned, the internal societal rift poses an equally dangerous threat that could dismantle the nation from within.

The project does not seek to eliminate disagreements but to change how they are conducted, advocating for substantive and respectful debates that allow people to express their experiences and feelings while strengthening the country. "Hadibur" monitors public discourse by politicians and media figures, identifying toxic and divisive statements. Weekly advertisements highlight the most notable remarks to encourage a shift toward more constructive public communication.

For Zusman, this activism continues the values her son left behind, quoting his words about the honor of defending Israel. She stressed that respectful dialogue is crucial, especially after the war, when public debates have become more charged and personal. She believes that solutions come through good conversation, not hatred or coercion.

Zusman also noted that her son attended a mixed religious-secular school where he learned to listen to differing views, underscoring the need for empathy and compromise through respectful speech. Ahead of Tisha B'Av, she called for optimism and invited others to join efforts to expand spaces for meaningful and unifying dialogue, despite the persistence of extreme voices.