Mattan here. In 2017, I refused to join the Israeli army because of the Israeli occupation, and I spent 110 days in prison. Since October 7th, Jewish Israeli resisters have been facing brutal police violence in Israel. The police brutality is aimed at discouraging and suppressing the resisters, but we are here to support them. This is why we launched a petition to governments’ missions to the United Nations, to force Israel to stop the violence. Please sign the petition here and invite your friends to join.
In the last couple of years, we have seen increasing violence by the Israeli police, trying to oppress any form of resistance against the occupation. Physical violence, arrests without cause, verbal abuse, fines and damage to belongings have become normal practices against resisters. To end the occupation, we must have a strong, wide anti-occupation movement from within. For that, we must stop the police violence and make a safer environment for more people to join. Bringing international attention to the topic can pressure Israel to stop oppressing Jewish protesters and widen the movement.
Read the petition below:
Stand with the Resisters: Protect Jewish Activists and Protesters Fighting from Within!
As millions march against the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Territories and the genocide in Gaza, Jews in Israel-Palestine are facing increased repression, harassment and violence by the Israeli government.
The Jewish citizens of Israel who fight for Palestinian rights are facing ongoing police brutality, political persecution, and an increased risk of aggressive reactions from their very own society. Some are being harassed and physically attacked by settlers as they volunteer in the West Bank, all under the eyes of soldiers who passively observe or actively participate in these attacks. They are being called traitors for their simple wish for freedom and equality for all.
Every passing day, the ultra-Zionist regime in Israel makes life increasingly unbearable for Palestinians everywhere: from the deadly “ceasefire” in Gaza, to the ethnic cleansing in the West Bank, and the systematic oppression of Palestinians citizens of Israel within the ‘48 territories.
While most Jewish Israelis are either blind to these horrors or even openly support them, a growing minority is choosing to say “no.” Either in small groups who are fighting against the occupation locally, or larger collectives which bring Jewish and Palestinian together to call for justice throughout the country. In every capacity, activists have faced brutal arrests, and their demonstrations are often arbitrarily cancelled by the authorities. Between the river and the sea, Jewish-Israeli resistance exists, even if global media outlets won’t tell you about it.
These people are a part of the solidarity movement, too. As they face ongoing persecution by the state and the apathetic public that follows it, we must show them they are not alone. We understand that if their rights are not protected, no one will be left to oppose the Israeli government and its crimes from within.
We call on all 193 member states of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to publicly condemn and immediately act to stop police brutality and any unfair treatment of Jewish activists operating in the State of Israel.
Let's show the resisters we have their back. Please sign the petition here and send it to your friends.
In solidarity,
Mattan Helman
Resistance Solidarity Network