As I sat with a group of Israeli reservists around a campfire on the edge of a forest in central Israel this month, I was struck by the intensity of their mission: saving their deeply divided country from itself. These soldiers, like many others called to fight in Gaza, had left for war amidst a surge of national unity following the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israel. However, as they returned home and the military withdrew from Gaza, they were met with a reality that was far from unified.
The soldiers, disillusioned by the re-emergence of bitter divisions, found themselves at the forefront of a movement demanding political change. David Sherez, a special forces commander and entrepreneur, expressed his shock at the lack of progress upon returning from Gaza. He, along with other soldiers gathered around the campfire, are part of Tikun 2024, a nonpartisan organization aiming to preserve the cooperation fostered during the war.
This movement has quickly gained traction, fueled by crowdfunding and attracting support from lawmakers and various sectors of Israeli society. The reservists leading Tikun 2024 are advocating for an emergency unity government to address the country’s pressing issues, including the fate of the occupied territories.
The group’s momentum reflects a growing desire for national unity and a shift away from traditional politics. However, not everyone is on board with Tikun 2024’s vision. Critics have labeled the movement as naive, and it has faced backlash from both the left and the right. Despite this, the soldiers leading the movement remain steadfast in their goal of promoting unity and political change.
As a journalist, witnessing the passion and determination of these reservists was a powerful reminder of the impact that individuals can have in shaping the course of their nation’s future. The soldiers of Tikun 2024 are not just fighting on the frontlines, but also on the home front, striving to ensure that the sacrifices made in war are not in vain.