The Heart of Conflict: Anat Saban and the Struggles of Northern Israel

In the picturesque landscapes of northern Israel, where the Mediterranean coast meets rolling hills, the specter of war looms large. Among the many voices echoing the pain and fear of this region is that of Anat Saban, a 76-year-old mother whose life has been irrevocably shaped by the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. Her story is not just one of personal loss and fear; it is emblematic of the broader struggles faced by many Israelis living in the shadow of violence.

A Mother’s Movement

In the 1990s, Anat Saban became a prominent figure in the "Four Mothers" movement, a grassroots initiative formed by mothers protesting the Israeli military’s involvement in Lebanon. The movement arose in response to the first war against Hezbollah, which saw many young Israeli men, including Anat’s son, deployed to the front lines. "We were accused of thinking from our womb," she recalls, reflecting on the backlash against their activism. Yet, Anat believes that the unique perspective of mothers—rooted in both emotion and intellect—was crucial in advocating for peace. Their peaceful demonstrations ultimately pressured the Israeli government to withdraw troops from Lebanon in 2000.

The Return of War

Fast forward more than two decades, and the specter of war has returned to northern Israel. Following the horrific attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2022, which left many Israelis traumatized, Anat’s perspective has shifted. While she once opposed military action, the fear of a similar attack from Hezbollah has made her wary yet resigned to the necessity of military intervention. "I’m afraid they’ll come from tunnels, with parachutes, something that’s beyond our control," she admits, her voice tinged with anxiety. The fear of violence has seeped into her daily life, leaving her uncertain about the future.

Displacement and Loss

The terror of potential attacks forced Anat and tens of thousands of others to flee their homes in northern Israel. Now living in a rented apartment in Tel Aviv with her husband, she grapples with the uncertainty of ever returning to her hometown of Shlomi. "How will I be able to sit at home and feel peaceful?" she questions, her longing for her home palpable. The memories of morning walks in the forest, the beauty of nature, and the proximity to the beach haunt her. "It is the most beautiful place," she reflects, a stark contrast to the chaos that has overtaken her life.

A Town in Ruins

Sky News recently visited Shlomi, where Anat had to abandon her home. The once-vibrant community now stands largely deserted, with only a few residents remaining. The streets, once filled with laughter and life, are now patrolled by stray cats, a haunting reminder of the lives that have been disrupted. The sound of warplanes overhead and the distant echoes of explosions serve as constant reminders of the precarious situation in which these residents find themselves.

During the visit, the team encountered Iris Uzana, another mother whose life has been upended by the conflict. With three sons serving in the military, including one who was wounded in Gaza, Iris’s anxiety is palpable. "Very hard. You’re not calm," she shares, her voice heavy with emotion. Despite her fears, she supports the military operations, believing they are necessary for the safety and peace of her family and community.

The Broader Impact

The stories of Anat and Iris are not isolated; they reflect the broader impact of the ongoing conflict on families in northern Israel. The psychological toll of living in a war zone is immense, with many mothers grappling with fear for their children’s safety while also supporting military actions that could protect their homes. The duality of their experiences—love for their children and fear for their safety—paints a complex picture of life in a region marked by violence.

As the conflict continues to evolve, the resilience of these mothers and their communities remains a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure. Yet, the longing for peace and the desire to return to a life free from fear is a sentiment shared by many. For Anat, the journey ahead is uncertain, but her story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal toll of war and the enduring hope for a peaceful future.