The Only Democracy? » On The Ground Reports
Songs by Ikhlas-Yasmin Jebara from Salem: Part II
This continues the previous post, showing for the first time songs by our friend Ikhlas. The picture above was taken a few weeks ago, when Ikhlas visited the Mediterranean Sea for the second time in her life. The sea is only 47km from her home (measured via Google Maps), but the Occupation regime – especially its prisonlike nature during the past decade – prevents most West Bank Palestinians from visiting it. Both of Ikhlas’ beach visits … Read entire article »
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Max Blumenthal finds some real terrorist-loving religious leaders
by Jesse Bacon Max Blumenthal exposes some religious leaders calling for the actual killing of babies and other Palestinians, a far worse rehtorical offense then “failing to condemn terrorism.” According to the book’s author, Rabbi Yitzhak Shapira, ‘Non-Jews are “uncompassionate by nature’ and should be killed in order to ‘curb their evil inclinations. If we kill a gentile who has has violated one of the seven commandments… there is nothing wrong with the murder,’ … Read entire article »
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Songs by Ikhlas (“Yasmin”) Jebara from Salem – Part I
Villages Group friend Ikhlas Jebara from Salem near Nablus, had been mentioned here before under her nickname “Yasmin”. Her father Sa’el was murdered in 2004 by a settler as he was performing his daily work as a van driver (the settler was convicted but escaped justice). Ever since then, we have been in touch with Muna, the widow, and her children. Ikhlas, the second of six Jebara children, is blind from birth and has last year graduated college with an English literature major. She also writes poetry in English. Following is a first sampling of her poems; a second group will be posted later. Feel free to contact Ikhlas directly at ikhlas_soh@hotmail.com. —————————— To say or not to say I wonder whether to say or not to say To be enthusiastic to revolve or to obey For … Read entire article »
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Two laws for two people in the same Place: Interview with Jordan Valley protest organizer Fathy Khdirat
By Jesse Bacon Interview with Fathy Khdirat, organizer for Jordan Valley Solidarity. I have just finished reading Grapes of Wrath, this group definitely reminded me of the spirit of Tom Joad. Part I: All his life under occupation, personal and family stories. Part II: A government-made water shortage Part III: What’s so important about the Jordan Valley. Part IV: The destruction of two whole villages. Conclusion: What we can do. … Read entire article »
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Israel continues efforts to destroy Palestinian village in the Jordan Valley; Interview coming later today
From Jordan Valley Solidarity: Al Farisiya to be razed again In the morning of Sunday 15th August 2010, the Israeli Civil Administration came to Al Farisiya yet again, with two warning documents stating that people have to leave this so-called ”closed area”. The two documents don’t state which family they target, which means that any family in the village can be targeted for home demolition, or confiscation of their vehicles or animals. I … Read entire article »
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Summing-up Sheikh Jarrah solidarity day
reprinted from the Just Jerusalem Blog. August 8, 2010. A year has passed since the eviction/expulsion of the Ghawi and Hanoun families from their homes. A year in which we have struggled together, not only in solidarity with the families, but also for the future of us all: against the attempt to bury the possibility for a just solution for our peoples; against the injustice and oppression, which are part and parcel … Read entire article »
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TODAY: Day of Solidarity with Sheikh Jarrah!
Today has been declared a Day of Solidarity with Sheikh Jarrah, and activists from all over Israel will protest the eviction of Palestinian families from their homes in this East Jerusalem neighborhood. What’s happening in Sheikh Jarrah is just one example of the harmful Israeli policy of building settlements in the heart of the Palestinian neighborhoods located in close proximity to the Old City – a policy which is making it harder and harder to imagine how Jerusalem could ever be divided into the capital of two nations, a necessary component of almost every single proposed plan for peace. Israeli activists will hold vigils and protests today in the cities of Tel Aviv, Haifa, Wadi Ara, Beer-Sheva, Kfar Yasif, Gan Shmuel Junction, Tira, Taybe, Raanana, West Jerusalem, and of course, Sheikh … Read entire article »
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“If I needed something to confirm I am going in the right direction…” an interview with Yonatan Shapira
By Jesse Bacon I inteviewed about Yonatan Shapira of Boycott from Within and Combatants for Peace after he was called in for an interrogation by the Israeli Security Services. Part 1: Yonatan talks about his activism with the Boycott Divestment Sanctions movement, and how the Gaza War changed his mind. Part 2: Backlash against Israelis and the interview by Israeli security services, and people who have been treated even worse. “I would have been still there.” Part … Read entire article »
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The Only Democracy? summer vacation: enjoy some boycott music
by Jesse Bacon I keep meaning to make a mix tape of the ever growing “cultural intifada” of artists refusing to perform in Israel, maybe including a Meg Ryan film clip? In the mean time, here’s where Gorillaz went after refusing to play in Israel. While Syria certainly has its own injustices, it sounds like an inspriing event. … Read entire article »
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Interview with Khalil Alamour, organizer of protest at demolished village UPDATED with video
By Jesse Bacon I spoke with Khalil Alamour at the protest tent at Al-Araqeeb, the village demolished by Israel this week. Protestors plan to return tomorrow and rebuild it. Here’s video from Max Blumenthal of the subsequent razing of the village for the 3rd time. Sign a petition against these demolitions. … Read entire article »
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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.