Unity Amidst Division: Israelis Rally Together as They Face a Prolonged War

Michal Muszkat-Barkan is an innate leader, able to inspire and mobilize others while skillfully directing assistance to those in need. As a professor at the Hebrew Union College, Muszkat-Barkan dedicated the last 10 months to orchestrating protests against the Israeli government's efforts to undermine the nation's judiciary system. This contentious issue created a deep divide among the people and resulted in an enduring political impasse.

Working tirelessly until Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abandons what she views as an undemocratic proposal, her determination remains steadfast. However, the recent onslaught of violence initiated by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip has dramatically shifted her focus. Now, she dedicates herself to the cause that unites her fragmented nation: the war effort.

"We feel that our government is not doing its job and we have a lot to say about that, but we wont say that now," she said.

Tzvi Shore, right, with a group of American and British teenagers who came to Israel to join the army.

Ivana Kottasova/CNN

"Now, our main focus is to foster resilience within society and extend support to those in need," she stated to CNN. She spoke from a Jerusalem performance art school, which has been repurposed as a center for volunteers.

The distressing visuals of the suffering endured by countless civilians due to Hamas have deeply disturbed not only the people of Israel but also individuals worldwide.

As of Friday morning, Hamas's attack has claimed the lives of over 1,300 Israelis, while over 1,500 Palestinians have been killed in retaliatory strikes on Gaza. Amidst Israel's mourning and offensive, certain deep-rooted divisions have been momentarily set aside.

Israel officially announced a declaration of war against Hamas on Sunday and initiated a relentless campaign of intense bombardment and air strikes on Gaza. This aggressive offensive not only targets the militant group but also exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation for innocent civilians residing in the densely populated territory.

With discussions of a potential ground invasion gaining momentum, it is evident that numerous individuals in Israel are bracing themselves for what may prove to be an extended period of warfare.

The Muszkat-Barkan group is currently assisting in the organization of the Jerusalem Emergency Command, which consists of hundreds of volunteers from various civil society organizations. These volunteers are involved in different tasks such as connecting evacuees from attacked communities with families who can provide accommodation, as well as facilitating car sharing for reservists who require transportation to their bases.

In addition, there is a large room that has been transformed into a temporary call center, where requests for assistance are being received. Furthermore, the theater has been repurposed as a warehouse to collect donations.

Most of the aid is being directed towards individuals affected by the attacks, including their families and soldiers. Israel has mobilized 300,000 reservists, marking one of the largest mobilizations in the country's history. Unfortunately, many of these soldiers still lack essential equipment. According to Muszkat-Barkan, they can rely on the army for some supplies, but they can also approach us for assistance with items such as warm clothing and power banks.

No bottled water

In Ashkelon, an Israeli city that lies just a few kilometers north of Gaza, the war feels much more imminent.

The streets are empty, with closed shops and restaurants. Multiple times a day, every day, sirens blare, alerting the remaining few individuals to seek shelter due to rocket attacks from Gaza. Nissan Gampel, the proprietor of a small grocery store near the typically vibrant marina, shared with CNN that his patrons have been purchasing significantly more cigarettes and alcohol recently. He stated, "People tend to smoke more when they are nervous."

His store has exhausted its supply of bottled water due to a countrywide scarcity triggered by excessive purchasing following the Israel Home Front Command's advice for individuals to maintain a minimum reserve of essential items for three days at home. Gampel, acknowledging the potential for a significant escalation in the conflict and a ground invasion of Gaza, asserted that he believed such measure was imperative to overcome Hamas.

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The Ashkelon Barzilai Medical Center, located on the opposite side of the city, has also been prepared. Following the attacks on Saturday, the hospital has admitted a significant number of victims. As a precaution, non-emergency treatment has been halted, and additional security measures have been implemented. The maternity department has been relocated to a safer area and is seeking charitable contributions.

Meanwhile, outside the hospital, numerous volunteers are stationed at tables stocked with refreshments for the tirelessly working staff.

Volunteers serve snacks to staff in front of a hospital in Ashkelon, Israel.

Ivana Kottasova/CNN

Shahar Biton, one of the volunteers, has been there since Saturday, offering snacks and encouragement to doctors, nurses, families of the injured and anyone else who needs it.

"We sat at home filled with a sense of hopelessness and a desire to be productive. That's why we decided to come here and inquire about how we could lend a hand. Given their round-the-clock efforts, we aim to bring them some joy," shared Biton.

Realizing the possibility of remaining at the hospital for an extended period in the event of a ground operation, she expressed uncertainty, saying, "I am unsure of the duration it may require."

Tzvi Shore, a 31-year-old IDF reservist, is meticulously getting ready for a potentially protracted conflict. He firmly believes that an Israeli invasion of Gaza is unavoidable.

"We must carry out a comprehensive mission to eradicate the threat and assume control over the area. Many of us have already grasped this reality, and now it's become evident to the entire world," he expressed.

He mentioned his service at the Gaza border in 2012 and in Gaza during the 2014 incursion, which concluded with a ceasefire following the loss of 2,100 Palestinian lives and 68 Israeli lives.

"After a decade, we assumed everything was under control and that they would handle their own issues. We were aware of occasional rocket attacks, but we were unaware of the extent of power within Gaza. It has become evident to both us and the rest of the world the level of support they possess," he expressed.

In Gaza, over 2 million people are densely packed into a mere 14 square miles, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the world. For years, Israel and Egypt have maintained a blockade around its borders. The control of this territory lies with Hamas, resulting in a dire situation for the civilian population, of which half are children. Caught in the midst of conflict, they frequently find themselves caught between the Hamas fighters seeking refuge there and the formidable firepower of the Israel Defense Forces.

Sitting at a café in Jerusalem on Thursday, Shore was surrounded by a group of American and British teenagers who had recently come to Israel with the sole purpose of enlisting in the military. Despite lacking any prior combat experience, they expressed unwavering determination to engage in battle.

"We are confident in our ability to overcome any challenges that may arise. We all have faith in our victory, there is no doubt about it. However, the duration of the conflict remains uncertain," stated Zalman Schultz, a 19-year-old American who arrived in Israel and was conscripted at the beginning of September.

Not everyone in Israel shares the belief that a ground operation is the sole solution. Moreover, the presence of approximately 150 hostages held by Hamas adds an additional layer of danger to any incursion.

Protests emerged throughout the country on Thursday, as groups of demonstrators called for the exchange of prisoners. Holding signs that read "Make a deal now," these protesters, mainly affiliated with left-wing and anti-occupation organizations, stood in silence.

Abraham Initiatives, an organization dedicated to fostering equality between Jews and Israeli Arabs, who comprise roughly 20% of the country's population, has urged for calm amidst the attacks and cautioned against any further escalation.

At the Jerusalem Emergency Command, Neta Simon, a student, sat in a converted rehearsal room turned office. She was part of a team of volunteers responsible for organizing mental health support and coordinating the deployment of volunteer psychologists and therapists to communities in need.

Volunteers (from left) Natalie Parry, Bat Zion Fisch, Neta Simon, Noga Doron and Jaara Bagad are coordinating mental health services at a center in Jerusalem.

Ivana Kottasova/CNN

Simon said she has been feeling conflicted about Israels heavy-handed response aimed at Gaza.

"People are advocating for extreme measures to end this more than ever," she remarked. "It seems like everyone currently has a very rigid perspective. However, I personally find it extremely challenging," she expressed.

Bat Zion Fisch, a therapist and fellow volunteer, held a different opinion. Coming from a right-wing background, she asserted that a forceful approach was precisely what was required. "We are in a state of war. The situation demands clear-cut decisions," she insisted.

After deliberating the matter, it became evident that the women held varying viewpoints regarding the issue at hand.

Expressing her sentiment, another volunteer named Noga Doron emphasized the significance of voicing her opposition towards the harm inflicted upon children and families residing in Gaza.

"We aim to eliminate Hamas in Gaza as it brings suffering to all parties involved. It is an immense source of misery for both the Palestinian and Israeli people, representing pure evil," she expressed.

Zion Fisch voiced her concern about the increasing difficulty in identifying civilians in Gaza. "Hamas maintains a pervasive presence throughout the entire region," she noted.

Despite their differences, the women have been diligently working side by side for several hours, driven by the demands of the occasion.

"Although we may have differing political views, when it comes to the security of our communities, citizens, and soldiers, there is unanimous agreement. Nobody is advocating for the acceptance of rockets," expressed Zion Fisch.

Adi Kopelwitz contributed to this report.