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The Only Democracy? » Entries tagged with "Jonathan Pollak"

When My Partner Went to Jail

Me and Mousa in court. Jonathan Pollak going to jail Originally posted on Rajeefsworld.posterous.com A lot has been written recently about my good friend Jonathan Pollak’s recent incarceration in Israel for his participation in demonstrations. Understandably, there was international outrage at his sentence—3 months for non-violent assembly. It made me reflect, however, on a totally different incarceration in my life, one that can only further illustrate the extent of Israel’s apartheid. Jonathan’s partner, activist Eilat Maoz, wrote a piece about walking Jonathan to prison, and the glimpse it gave her of the life of the families of other political prisoners. I also got a feel for that life, with one critical difference: my partner is Palestinian. In December, 2007, I said goodbye to my then fiance (now husband), and left Palestine for a trip … Read entire article »

Filed under: Discrimination, Featured

East Jerusalem update: 1 Palestinian organizer drops his appeal, another arrested

East Jerusalem update: 1 Palestinian organizer drops his appeal, another arrested

By Jesse Bacon Adnan Gheith, whose plight we mentioned earlier, dropped his appeal with the Israeli Supreme Court and will be expelled for four months from East Jerusalem. Ha’aretz reporter Mairav Zonszein linked to that of Jonathan Pollak refusing to plead for mercy in his own case. While it is a travesty that he will have to leave, I am happy he is able to do it on his terms, which should make us all reflect … Read entire article »

Filed under: Human Rights Activists in the Crosshairs

Four cases against Israeli democracy

Four cases against Israeli democracy

By Jesse Bacon While I was away on vacation, four cases of the continuing slow death of Israeli democracy occurred. Taken together, they represent a good spectrum of the responses to democracy activists by Israel, all negative. First, Matan Cohen, Israeli-American activist, member of Young, Jewish, and Proud, and one of the people behind the push for divestment at Hampshire College. He attempted to return home as he often does. He was taken aside on December 17 … Read entire article »

Filed under: Featured, Human Rights Activists in the Crosshairs