029: Scared and saying it (This is how we build a better world)

In this deeply personal and powerful solo episode, I reflect on my experience as a Jewish-Israeli mother, one year after the devastating Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. From the initial shock and grief to the ongoing fear and heartbreak, I open up about the emotional toll of witnessing the rise of radical Islamist terror, global antisemitism and the misinformation that has fueled dangerous narratives across the world, while challenging the binary view of “oppressor vs oppressed”, to extend a clearer and more compassionate lens.

 

Through personal stories, I reflect on the challenge of mourning, on the terror of not being able to grieve for fear of reprisal, and on my efforts to have difficult conversations with my children about identity, safety, and the courage to speak up in times of conflict.

 

Laced throughout the episode is my abiding longing for peace and coexistence, and the hope I have found in the immensely courageous voices—Jewish, Christian, and Muslim — that stand for humanity, moral clarity, truth, and coexistence.

 

Note: This episode is a departure from my usual content. I wrestled with whether to publish this episode on the podcast, and ultimately decided that speaking my truth -- no matter how difficult -- is a vital part of my work in ReWilding and empowering others. May this episode inspire you to tend to your voice, your courage, and your ineffable humanity—because the world needs you.

 

Key Topics Discussed:

 

• The emotional and psychological toll of living in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack, as a Jewish/Israeli mother. 

• The flawed binary of oppressor vs oppressed

• The dangerous misuse of terms like "genocide" and "apartheid" and how they contribute to widespread misinformation and harmful narratives.

• A deeper reflection on the binary of humanity vs. terror

• Hamas’ role in the oppression of the Palestinian people and the ongoing threats from radical Islamist factions not just on Israel but on people throughout the Middle East and the free world. 

• The silencing of moderate voices, and why it’s so critical to elevate and amplify the voices across the region that oppose terror regimes.

• The courage it takes to speak up in small moments and how this contributes to a larger fight for truth.

• The intimate and intricate relationship between fear and resolve

• Stories of hope from moderate voices across the Middle East advocating for peace and humanity

• A moving rendition of Hatikvah -- the national anthem of Hope -- performed on the cello by my 11 yr old son, Flash, (with Dad on the piano)

 

Key actions include:

 

• Amplify the voices of those advocating for peace, like Ahmad Fouad Alkhatib and Hamza Howidy, who oppose Hamas and stand for the freedom and dignity of the Palestinian people.

• Reject extremism by calling out terrorist organizations for what they are and separating the Palestinian cause from the violence of Hamas.

• Combat misinformation by educating yourself on the real history and dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

• Support peace efforts that champion coexistence, like the efforts between Israelis and Palestinians who still believe in dialogue and shared humanity.

 

Resources:

 

Builders of the Middle East: Follow voices advocating for peace and humanity across the region. @buildersofmideast

 

Other moderate truth and peace-seeking voices to follow and amplify: @elicalebon, @justluai, @hamzahowidyy, @afalkhatib, @amjadt25, @lalshareef, @israelicitizenpox, @jonahplatt, @beingjewishpodcast, @montanatucker, @eitanchitayat_words, @zach.sage, @meantforit, @rawanosman2024, @eylonalevy, @shaidavidai, @tuttlesinger, @chrisccuomo, @yuval_noah_harari, @stateofapod, @mansor_ashkar, @yosephhaddad, @rudy_israel, @douglasmurray, @officialsahartv, @triggerpod, @sharonbrous, @thefreepress, @tmasudin, @danielryanspaulding, @nasdaily, @jewbelong, @ritchietorresny15, Erin Molan, @anila_ali2008

 

Ways to Support:

Share this episode: Help spread awareness about the complex realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

 

Follow courageous voices from the Middle East who are speaking out against terrorism and in favor of coexistence. 

 

Take action by joining local communities or online groups committed to combating antisemitism and all forms of hate.

 

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Want to ReWild your life and unleash your glorious potential? Schedule a free call: https://danainouyeconnectioncall.as.me/schedule.php

 

Connect with me:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dana_inouye/ 

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danainouye 

 

Website: https://danainouye.com/ 

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