Families of the fallen push for new unity plan

Israelis have long cared for their natural heritage, and now a group of grieving parents wants that same focus applied to how the country lives together. Ahead of the upcoming elections, these families are pressing the next government to make social cohesion a top national priority. They believe the new administration must act quickly to bridge the gaps that have torn communities apart.

The group, known as Hamechane, is led by relatives who lost loved ones in recent conflicts. Moshe Shapiro lost his son Aner on October 7, 2023. Zohar lost his nephew, a lone soldier from New York, during the same attack. Daxa lost her husband, a colonel in the 401st Armored Brigade, in October 2024 while leading troops in northern Gaza. These three families are central to the movement's push for change.

The initiative seeks to mimic a successful campaign from the 1960s that protected wildflowers. That effort combined legal rules with public education. It took years for children to grow up understanding the cause. The group wants to apply this model to social respect. They aim to make listening and mutual obligation standard practices for every citizen, regardless of political views.

Zohar describes internal division as the biggest threat to the nation's survival. He argues that the splits before the October 7 attack helped create the conditions for the tragedy. He notes that he only recently understood the impact of the 2018 Nation-State Law on Druze citizens after hearing Daxa speak. He admits the issue previously went over his head. Daxa points to everyday moments where belonging is tested. She recalls feeling uncomfortable on a train while speaking Arabic. She believes unity must include all citizens, not just one group.

The group spent a year building a shared vision among diverse members. This included religious and secular Jews, haredim, Druze, and people from both the right and left. Shapiro notes that no one had to hide their views during this process. He recalls his grandfather urging a broader government before the Six Day War in 1967. That historical move included leaders from different parties to ensure stability. Shapiro sees a similar need for cooperation today.

The group has not decided on the exact structure of the body they want created. They are leaving that task to elected officials and experts. However, they have clear goals for schools and workplaces. They want children to learn about different communities and how to handle disagreement. They also want measures to stop online activity that fuels hatred. Daxa says recognizing polarization as a national danger is a crucial first step. Shapiro emphasizes that they are not asking for sacrifice. They are asking for listening and a reminder that disagreement does not cancel out our shared duties.

The next steps involve lobbying the incoming government. The families plan to continue their personal outreach in schools and communities. They hope to turn their shared grief into a lasting national framework for togetherness.