Israeli Anti-Zionists Face Threats and Harassment for Speaking Out Against the Government
In a climate of increasing hostility, Israeli anti-Zionists are facing threats and harassment for daring to speak out against the government’s oppressive policies. These activists, who refuse to support the discriminatory and ethnocentric ideology of Zionism, have become targets for right-wing groups and even the Israeli police.
Maya, a Jewish Israeli activist, found herself drawn to the Palestinian cause after meeting Palestinians who had been displaced from their homes during the founding of Israel. She realized that the narrative she had been taught about her country’s independence war was incomplete and that the Palestinian people had been subjected to a “catastrophe” known as the Nakba. Since then, Maya has joined the ranks of anti-Zionists who believe in a more inclusive and equal vision for Israel.
However, since the deadly attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians and military outposts, anti-Zionists have been labeled as traitors and accused of sympathizing with terrorists. They have been met with violent crackdowns by the police and have received threats from right-wing extremists. These activists have been smeared on social media and had their personal information exposed, leaving them vulnerable to further harassment.
The situation has only worsened since the war on Gaza began. Antiwar activists who refuse to serve in the army have been subjected to imprisonment, while others have faced social backlash and isolation. The Israeli government and army work tirelessly to glorify military service and suppress any discussion of conscientious objectors.
Einat Gerlitz, a non-Zionist and peace activist, spent 87 days in prison for refusing to serve in the Israeli army. She spoke about her concerns for friends and peers who were deployed to Gaza, fearing that they may be ordered to commit atrocities or violate international law. She and other anti-Zionist Israelis strive to make their fellow citizens recognize the humanity of the Palestinians, but they face an uphill battle against the government’s propaganda machine.
Israeli society, influenced by biased media coverage, often lacks empathy for the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli children have even dismissed photos of dead Palestinian children as fake, perpetuating the dehumanization of Palestinians. The government’s messaging, which vilifies Palestinians and portrays them as subhuman, further fuels this lack of empathy.
Anti-Zionist Israelis like Addam Yekutieli, a graffiti artist, are trying to humanize Palestinians through their art. Yekutieli believes that empathy is the key to understanding and resolving the conflict, but the government’s dehumanization of Palestinians presents a significant obstacle.
The plight of Israeli anti-Zionists highlights the growing intolerance for dissenting voices in the country. These activists face threats and harassment for daring to challenge the dominant narrative and advocate for a more just and inclusive Israel. Their struggle for peace and equality should not be silenced or ignored.
