To Protest or Not to Protest? Older Israeli Social Activists’ Reflections on Protests Post-October 7

Abstract

Following the judicial overhaul enacted by the Israeli government in early 2023, a wave of unprecedented protests surged in the streets. This study aims to understand the experiences of older activists who participated in the initial protests against the judicial overhaul. It explores why some continued protesting, while others disengaged after the October 7 massacre and the subsequent war, using a life course perspective with an emphasis on the concept of linked lives. Between February and May 2025, 22 older activists who had been involved in the initial protests in 2023 were interviewed. Thematic analysis was employed. Results show diverging viewpoints: some activists believe protests remain vital, while others have ceased due to fears of societal division, perceived ineffectiveness, and prioritizing national unity during wartime. Ambivalence was a common thread, especially regarding the legitimacy of protests amid ongoing war. The findings highlight how historical events, personal experiences, and social contexts influence activism. The socioemotional selectivity theory and the concept of linked lives illuminate the reasons behind continued or discontinued protest engagement.

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