In the past few weeks, the Jewish Arab war resistance movement is experiencing one of its hardest and most terrifying moments – perhaps the worst it has been in at least a generation. You can help us support their activities here.
On October 25th, police shut down an Arab-Jewish meeting in the Israeli city of Haifa, the main subject of which was calling for resistance to the war and the harming of innocents. An activist was arrested in Jerusalem for having a sign on his balcony that read “No sanctity in an occupied city.” A right-wing mob attacked left-wing Journalist, Israel Frey, in his home, from which he had to be evacuated by police forces. In Jerusalem, police brutally dispersed a silent assembly for the return of the abductees. In addition to these events, attacks online towards left-wing activists are becoming worse, with right-wing groups publishing addresses of prominent activists online. All of this, of course, is happening as, any of us, both Israelis and Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, have grieved significant losses in recent weeks, the deaths of many loved ones. Now more than ever it is dangerous to raise your voice against the war and against the occupation.
The anti-war groups we support in Israel are under threat, but they keep struggling and resisting. With your help, we can continue to support the activities of our partners, both through donations and in helping to amplify their voices internationally at this critical point when international pressure is the most likely path to end the attack on Gaza.
Today we are sharing the words from Yesh-Gvul, one of the first Israeli groups to call for a ceasefire. A movement that aims to sway public opinion against wars of choice, and the occupation of Palestinian territories. Yesh Gvul was founded in 1982 with the outbreak of the First Lebanon War, as a refusal movement of soldiers in the reserves force. In recent years, its members have battled the continuing occupation together with other organizations, helped conscientious objectors, and led monthly vigils.
In the past weeks of war about 1,300 Israelis were murdered, and 239 were abducted. In the Gaza Strip over 10,000 were murdered, of which more than 3,600 were children. In the face of this horrible reality, Yesh Gvul posted the following text as a front-page ad published in Haaretz newspaper daily:
After weeks of continuous killing and harm to Israeli and Palestinian citizens, we say enough! Enough of the killing, enough of the systemic harm to civilians and neighborhoods, enough of the collective punishment.
We call on the government to immediately enter into negotiations for the release of the hostages, a ceasefire, as well as finding a political solution to the long-standing conflict between us and the Palestinians. There is no military solution to a political conflict: it is the continuation of the occupation and oppression that brought us this far.
It won't end until we talk and guarantee a safe life for all people between the sea and Jordan, for all of us - Israelis and Palestinians alike.
The shock and anger at the horrific massacre and the terrible war crimes of Hamas do not justify harming the innocent, even when they are on the other side of the border, under the rule of an abominable enemy.
It is forbidden to execute without trial, it is forbidden to torture during investigations and arrests, collective punishments must not be imposed. Citizens must not be denied food, water, electricity, and medical care. It is forbidden to take part in war crimes!
Yesh Gvul and other Israeli war resistance groups we support need us more than ever, they are counting on us! Please Support our struggle by donating in this link.
In solidarity,
Mattan Helman
Executive director
Refuser Solidarity Network