A letter from Matan to TINAU community

This Saturday, after months of suspense, a new front was opened. An unprovoked attack on Iran has dragged us further into the abyss, pulling the United States along with it. Only months ago, victory was declared; today, we are told that war is once again "necessary." No explanation is given, and for many, none is required. There is a painful silence where there should be questions, as a society continues to see itself as the victim even as it cheers for the flames.

It is hard to put into words, but no matter how many times I witness this cycle, the disappointment cuts just as deep. I expect nothing from the government, but I expected more from my neighbors. No matter how much they are used or abused by those in power, when the drums of war beat, they enlist without hesitation. Even those left without shelter, abandoned by the state they defend, still find the breath to cheer.

The past two years have been a test of the soul. It is exhausting to try and live your life knowing you are surrounded by people who view you as a traitor and see state violence as a natural part of their lives. But I can’t give up hope, and neither can you. We built this community here in TINAU, and we are fighting to keep it, no matter what. Because hope must prevail, reality can change, and we need to have dedicated, loving people here ready to act when it does. We are not going anywhere, I am not going anywhere, and I hope to see you all with me.

So let me remind myself and you what we stand for:

We teach Hebrew to reclaim it from Zionism; the language deserves its own freedom.

We teach Palestinian Arabic to unbind it from stigma and restore its rightful resonance in this land.

We teach the politics of this place to expose the wounds—and to build the solutions.

We teach the culture of this land to witness the pain—and to fuel the dreams.

Despite the bombs, the terror, and the violence: we are here. And we want you with us.

Sign up to our courses and bring your friends. Stand with us, and we promise you a reason for hope.

If you cannot join us now, please donate. Your gift funds scholarships, helping more voices articulate the language of justice.

Share our story, join our community, and attend our events. Your support is the foundation. Together, we lay the groundwork for a just and peaceful land.