The Only Democracy? » Archive
Ha’aretz calls protest crackdown “unacceptable,” will US Media follow suit?
Ha’aretz’s editorial gives a good summary of the recent Israeli crackdown on dissent, citing many examples covered on this blog. “According to data provided by the activists, since December, Israeli forces have undertaken more than 20 nighttime raids on the villages of Na’alin and Bil’in and have arrested more than 30 people. They are all suspected of taking part in protests against the separation fence, which invades these villages and very severely harms the inhabitants’ welfare. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Human Rights Activists in the Crosshairs
International activists freed, then their office raided again by IDF.
Ha’aretz reports that international activists seized in immigration raids as part of Israel’s crackdown were freed by Israel’s Supreme Court. “The activists’ lawyer described their arrest as part of a campaign by Israel to choke off weekly demonstrations by Palestinians, left-wing Israelis and foreign activists against Israel’s West Bank separation barrier as peace efforts remain at a stalemate. Israeli soldiers raided the West Bank city of Ramallah on Sunday and detained Spaniard Ariadna Jove Marti and Australian … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Human Rights Activists in the Crosshairs, Victories for Democracy
Palestinian expert on Israeli settlements and cartography barred from travel
According to Amira Hass, “Interior Minister Eli Yishai has banned Palestinian geographer Khalil Tufakji, a resident of Jerusalem, from traveling abroad for six months, citing unspecified security concerns. The ban was issued on the recommendation of the Shin Bet security service and is based on 1948 Emergency regulations. “Having been convinced that there is real concern that the exit of Mr. Khalil Tufakji from Israel may harm the security of the state, I order that he be banned … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Human Rights Activists in the Crosshairs
Palestinian nonviolent leader and international arrested.
Haaretz has the video of Israeli immigration leaders seizing a Czech international activist who worked along Palestinian nonviolent activists. : Another article in Ha’aretz tells the story of the arrest of a Palestinian nonviolent leader. “Israeli forces arrested a leading Palestinian protest organizer on Thursday in what activists said was a sign of Israel’s concern over plans for more demonstrations in the West Bank. Mohammed Khatib was taken into custody in a pre-dawn raid, said a statement by … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Human Rights Activists in the Crosshairs
Hard to run a democracy without electricity
This story about Israel allowing some goods to enter Gaza reveals just how much is not being allowed in. “Between 90 and 100 truckloads of commercial merchandize and humanitarian aid will enter through Gaza’s southern border crossing, including two trucks of fuel, Fattouh said. Additionally, two trucks of cut carnations and one truck of Gaza strawberries will exit also via Kerem Shalom for export. According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, since 10 December … Read entire article »
Filed under: Discrimination
Conscientious objector Emelia Marcovich has been sentenced
On Sunday 2/2/2010, Conscientious objector (CO) Emelia Marcovich refused to enlist in the Israeli army. Emelia is a part of “The Senior Letter (Shministim) 2009-2010“ which reads “We, High School Seniors that are suppose to enlist the israeli army in followed by the mandatory military service,refuse to take part in any oppression, in the occupation and in wars.” Emelia has been sentenced for 10 days of detention in a closed base (Meitav –Reception and Sorting Base), and she … Read entire article »
Filed under: Human Rights Activists in the Crosshairs
Bilin Weekly Demo Against the Wall: February 5, 2010.
Working on getting a translation but images pretty much speak for themselves. … Read entire article »
Filed under: On The Ground Reports
Rabbis for Human Rights defend New Israel Fund from anti-democratic attacks
Dear Friends and Supporters, In light of the smear campaign being run by a group called “Im Tirtzu,” it should be clear to all that we are engaged in a struggle for Israeli democracy. That is not an exaggeration. This is also a not to be missed opportunity, because many people are waking up and realizing the just how dangerous the situation has become. Please find below a description of the situation, a list of things … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Human Rights Activists in the Crosshairs
Yeela Ranaan: RCUV(Regional Council for the Unrecognized Villages in the Negev) Action Alert
Blows, Arrests, Home Demolitions and Crop Destruction in the Unrecognized Bedouin Villages in the Negev And what you can do to help! by Yeela Raanan, Regional Council for the Unrecognized Villages in the Negev (RCUV) On Tuesday this week the Government of Israel destroyed crops in the Bedouin village of Al-Mazraa. “Crops” hardly describes the one inch-high wheat that the community has managed to grow in the desert land. The Bedouin farmers do not have water allocations like … Read entire article »
Filed under: On The Ground Reports
Al-Tal’a by David Shulman.
January 30, 2010 Al-Tal’a, Um Zaituna “The most desperate fights are often the most hopeful,” Istvan says to me as we stand on the hill looking down at the shepherds and their sheep. You can always rely on Istvan for the surprising Hungarian perspective on things—not usually an optimistic one, but humane and morally acute in a dark, perhaps ironic way. This is his fourth trip with us to South Hebron. He likes the Ta’ayush mode, which he thinks exemplifies the central Gandhian principle: what is inside shapes what is outside; if you can overcome your own weaknesses and fear, you will have an incalculable effect on the most recalcitrant situation. Besides, there’s another consideration of a totally … Read entire article »
Filed under: On The Ground Reports
Interactive Video
“You have a choice! Israeli Anti-Militarists Speak”
Four Israelis—Dorothy Naor, Sergeiy Sander and Eli Fabrikant, and Ofer Golani—talking about their personal histories, political views and activism in 132 short films.