Voices of the Unheard: How Protests Shape the Individual, the Group, and Society Kindle Edition

An eye-opening account of how protest and civil disobedience impact the fragile social fabric of a nation fighting for its future. In January 2023, a civil uprising erupted after the Israeli government announced a series of reforms that would drastically change the judicial system. The reforms caused the most dramatic social tear in Israeli history, as each side vehemently fought for what it believed was right for the national identity. The aftershock of the reforms and protests for and against them was felt everywhere: on the news, in social discourse, and especially on the Israeli psyche. But as tensions rose, it was worth asking—what makes a person risk social ostracization and police brutality? What could be so worth fighting for?Expert psychologist Dr. Varda Silberberg, who studied the psychological implications of COVID-19 in her book Pandemic Psychology, joins experts and therapists in analyzing the personal and social implications of these protests on their participants, leaders, and detractors. Investigating both sides of the political map, Dr. Silberberg and her colleagues conducted in-depth interviews with citizens on different parts of the social spectrum to understand the psychological impact of the social crisis and the protests.The book presents diverse and candid perspectives on topics such as personal responsibility regarding social issues, grassroots leadership, polarization and the need for empathy, and the search for meaning amid crisis.Thought-provoking and revelatory, Voices of the Unheard offers a nuanced view on the effects of protests and provides hope for creating meaningful dialogue fostering social unity —before we let our differences tear us apart. Read more