My name is Omri Alon, I’m a student at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and I’ll be arriving next semester in Bristol University for the student exchange program.
As I read the guidance to writing this essay, asking me on how I can make my trip to the UK more sustainable, I felt turbulence of emotion rise in me. How sustainable are my actions? How do I care for the environment? are questions I haven’t asked myself in a while.
I grew up in a nature-loving home. My parents educated me to appreciate the outdoors; hiking has forever been my favorite activity. Through those experiences I learned to appreciate the beauty and power of the open environment and the destructive influence of mankind. I learned to take responsibility for my surroundings, in little casual actions like composting, recycling, saving energy and water, using public transportation and bicycles. Later as a trekking guide and youth movement counselor I tried to pass those experiences and practices on to others.
But although some of those small everyday “sustainable” habits have stayed with me, and I am the proud “Compost Steward” of my apartment complex, I must admit I haven’t thought much about the issue lately. For the last two years, war has surrounded me, pushing the environmental case to the rear back of my mind.
Since October 7th, 2023, my basic sense of safety, and that of everyone around me has been shaken. Friends and relatives were killed or kidnapped. I was recruited to reserve duty in a military training unit. Later thru talking to friends, Palestinian and Israeli activists, I was gradually exposed to more knowledge, learning about what is happening in Gaza and the West Bank. I became aware of the immense suffering, the great injustice intensified in this war but always present in this conflict. Those understandings led me to refuse military service when I was summoned again and to join anti-war, pro-hostage-deal demonstrations and activities, led by Jewish-Arab collaborative organizations.
And now, I am trying to get far from here, going for a semester abroad. Maybe I could care again about minimizing my carbon emissions, reducing air travel and consuming local food. Because when the basic feeling of security is in jeopardy, human rights are crushed and people are dying, sustainability is easily forgotten. But those struggles are one, a demand for peace and a safe, honorable life for all is the basic step towards a sustainable future. As outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals(https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/), the first priorities; no poverty, zero hunger, and good health and well-being, form the foundation for all other goals, such as clean energy, gender equality, access to clean water, and innovation. These broader goals can only be pursued once basic human rights are secured.
I hope my experience abroad will provide me with the opportunity to breath, reflect on ways to continue this struggle and form collaborations with students from around the world in pursuit of a sustainable and just future for all.
