Israelis putting their bodies on the line
JVL Introduction
This long report is an in-depth study of a handful of Israelis who are among those committed to supporting the Palestinian shepherd communities in the South Hebron Hills.
They, as we have reported often, are under increasing pressure to evacuate their lands as settlers, aided and abetted by the army, harass them without warning.
What is fascinating is both the diversity of background of the Israelis who come out in support, and their steadfast commitment to what they are doing – doing their best to make an intolerable situation tolerable, at least for a little while longer.
The original article is accompanied by many wonderful photos – you can see them here.
RK
This article was originally published by Haaretz on Fri 2 Feb 2024. Read the original here.
Meet the Israelis who are trying to physically block the ethnic cleansing unfolding in the West Bank
Under the cover of war, backed by Israel’s army and police, settler violence targeting Palestinian shepherding communities is surging. These Israeli activists are putting themselves in harm’s way to protect them
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Thanks, what a collection of harrowing stories showing the bravery of some Israelis and the deep despair of all Palestinians. It is apparent that the ‘left’ activists who have rejected the ‘occupation’ aspect of Zionism i.e. the vicious side, still consider themselves to be Zionists. They don’t appear to recognise that Zionism can’t be one without the other. It shows how deeply Zionism has corrupted Judaism and that ‘left Zionists’ are not Zionists at all, even though they believe they are.
Can someone let us know how we can support these heroic people? Maybe JVL could formally adopt them and do a fundraiser.
Another account of indigenous people persecuted by entitled incomers.
The political zionist dogma that the land has been given to Israelis by God is not factually or historically based and is highly extremist. It is the underlying opinion of the extremist Israeli government. It is also shown by it being the expressed ideology of the Israeli state representative in Britain. This is not commented on by British establishment politicians or mass media.
I also recognise and applaud the good Israelis who are unselfishly putting themselves into conflict with their establishment to try to save Palestinians.
Anyone can submit evidence to the ICC prosecutor.
He can be reached at this email.
https://otplink.icc-cpi.int/
https://www.icc-cpi.int/about/otp/otp-contact
He has jurisdiction in Palestine.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/nov/10/law-israel-hamas-international-criminal-court-icc
Witness, and staying alive to perform it, is probably the most altruistic survivor strategy there is. Well-documented in Terrence des Pres’ classic book, The Survivor, chapter II, “The Will to Bear Witness”, p 27.
https://archive.org/details/survivoranatomyo00desp/page/n15/mode/2up?view=theater
These heroes are the new righteous, and thanks to the reporter and Haaretz for publishing this most important story.
David Shonfield,
B’Tselem, mentioned in the story, is the organization of record of Israelis and Palestinians working together to video the assault by settlers on Palestinians. You can contribute on their website:
https://www.btselem.org/
And view their videos on Twitter, very much worth a follow:
@btselem
It doesn’t appear as if these folks are affiliated with B’Tselem but you never know.
If ‘all that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing’, then this is a case of good, brave people going above and beyond the call of duty. They are an inspiration to us all, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. They are fighting for all of us.
Shalom-Salam-Peace
Dear sisters and brothers!
Your exceptional commitment to peace and justice touches my heart. The essence of all religions and humanism is love shared with other human beings. You are wonderful witnesses in word and deed. With you, there is not us and them, but one great human family. I admire you in solidarity
Thank you so much! -Michel Barrett from Quebec in Canada