The past few weeks have proved something that we always knew was true - the power of the people! You have probably seen images of Israelis protesting in huge numbers, in elaborate costumes, with creative signs and banners, and with a clear and definitive message to those in power: we will not give up our democracy. Combatants for Peace activists had a crucial role reminding everyone that democracy must be universal and that there is no democracy with occupation.
And the mass protests worked! Sort of. Benjamin Netenyahu announced a pause to his judicial reform, and he will hold negotiations on how to proceed. We are now in a limbo period where the strikes are called off, the protests have dispersed, and people are tentatively waiting for what comes next.
In the meantime, the rhetoric in the Israeli media, on the streets and in the Knesset is at an all time high and we are all on high alert as the right wing gains momentum and international profile. In the past couple of weeks alone, ‘chametz’ has been banned from public hospitals in Israel over Pesach, Itamar Ben-Gvir has made a chilling demand to lead a “National Guard” that is loyal to his mission, and Bezalel Smotrich took to the stage in the US - although we aren’t quite sure what he said…
With awareness building and with just under a month to go, the Israeli-Palestinian Joint Memorial Ceremony is happening - and we need you now more than ever as the attacks on us pile up. We are used to attracting negative press, and to the protest on the night verbally abusing our guests, but this is a whole new level of hostility that is aimed against us and our values.
