Dr Gabor Mate and Daniel Mate on genocide in Gaza | The Stream

Summary

In this episode of The Stream, Anelise Boures discusses the psychological toll of witnessing ongoing violence, focusing on the conflict in Gaza. Joined by Holocaust survivor Dr. Gabor Maté and his son, composer Daniel Maté, they reflect on the horrors of the war, the trauma inflicted on Palestinians, and how Jewish values can inform opposition to oppression. The conversation also touches on the conflation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism, the weaponization of trauma, and what it would take to achieve peace and justice for Palestine.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The human brain, despite its immense capability, struggles to fully comprehend the scale and constant nature of modern violence, particularly that seen in conflicts like Gaza.
• 🇵🇸 Dr. Gabor Mate emphasizes the importance of supporting Palestinian rights as part of a broader commitment to human rights and justice for all, not as a matter of taking sides.
• 😢 Daniel Mate reflects on the horror and emotional toll of witnessing the ongoing violence in Gaza, discussing the profound sadness, anger, and grief caused by the situation.
• ⚖️ Dr. Gabor Mate argues that trauma from events like the Holocaust should not be used to justify further violence or the trauma inflicted on other groups, such as Palestinians.
• 🧬 Daniel Mate discusses the complex legacy of trauma and moral principles passed down through his family, and how these shaped his anti-Zionist views and skepticism toward mainstream Jewish narratives about Israel.
• 🛑 Both Dr. Mate and Daniel highlight the dangerous conflation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism, stating that criticism of Israel should not be equated with an attack on all Jews.
• 👶 Dr. Mate expresses deep concern over the long-term psychological and physical trauma faced by Palestinian children due to the ongoing violence, drawing on past studies that already showed alarming levels of trauma.
• 🕊️ Daniel discusses how his Jewish values, including compassion (Rahim), irony, and justice (Tzedek), inform his activism against oppression and the Israeli occupation.
• 🏚️ Dr. Mate describes his emotional experience visiting Gaza and the West Bank, witnessing firsthand the suffering of Palestinians, and how this shaped his views on the Zionist project and its impact.
• ✊ Both guests stress the need for systemic changes, including ending the occupation and apartheid policies, for peace to be possible and for collective healing to begin, not only for Palestinians but for Israelis as well.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the discussion in the episode of *The Stream*?

The main focus of the episode is addressing the violence in Gaza and the occupied territories, particularly the impact on humanity, the role of solidarity, and the importance of supporting Palestinian rights.

Why does Dr. Gabor Maté believe it is important to support Palestinian rights?

Dr. Gabor Maté believes it is important to support Palestinian rights because it is not about taking sides, but about caring for justice, truth, and the well-being of all people, including Jews. He argues that the situation in Palestine represents a focal point for what is troubling humanity.

How does Daniel Maté explain his decision to speak out on the issue?

Daniel Maté explains that speaking out is essential for his sanity, as witnessing the horrors in Gaza is deeply troubling. He mentions that unless someone is captured by an ideology that blinds them to Palestinian suffering, it is hard not to feel horror, anger, grief, and frustration.

How does Dr. Gabor Maté reconcile his Jewish heritage and trauma with his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Dr. Gabor Maté acknowledges his traumatic history as a Holocaust survivor but rejects using past Jewish trauma to justify the suffering of others, including Palestinians. He believes trauma does not justify further harm and argues that healing does not come from causing pain to others.

Did Daniel Maté inherit trauma from his father’s experiences, and how did it influence his views?

Daniel Maté acknowledges inheriting trauma and a strong moral principle from his family’s history. He also credits growing up with a father who opposed occupation, helping him develop a nuanced view that goes beyond the Zionist narrative and led him to support Palestinian rights.

What is Daniel Maté’s view on the conflation of anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism?

Daniel Maté rejects the conflation of anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, explaining that it stems from equating Zionism with Judaism. He argues that criticizing Israel’s policies does not equate to attacking Jews and emphasizes that this conflation is an anti-Semitic premise in itself.

What impact does Dr. Gabor Maté believe the current violence will have on Palestinian children?

Dr. Gabor Maté predicts that Palestinian children will face devastating long-term effects from the trauma, including mental health issues, physical harm, and behavioral problems. He notes that even before the current violence, Palestinian children were among the most traumatized in the world.

What Jewish values have influenced Daniel Maté’s critique of Zionism?

Daniel Maté cites values such as compassion (Rahim), a tradition of irony and skepticism, and a commitment to justice (tzedek) as key Jewish principles that have informed his ability to critique Zionism and align himself with broader social justice causes.

What does Daniel Maté envision as a solution for a free Palestine?

Daniel Maté envisions a society from the river to the sea where Jews and Palestinians live with equal rights, free from racism and supremacy. He believes that Israel’s apartheid policies must end, and reconciliation similar to South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation process is necessary.

What does Dr. Gabor Maté believe is necessary for healing to begin after the violence ends?

Dr. Gabor Maté believes that for healing to begin, the occupation, apartheid policies, and systemic racism must end. Only when people no longer feel threatened can collective and individual healing take place. He emphasizes that peace and justice are prerequisites for healing.