In this Spotlight on Nonviolence, Katherine Whiteside chats with Khadija Khokar, a fellow student at GW who is involved in climate activism and the organization Zero Hour. She discusses how all of the oppressive systems that hold up this world are ultimately contributing to the climate crisis and how the conversation surrounding this issue needs to recognize this and not focus so much on the individual. She combats these problems through organizing climate strikes, working on community building, and pushing for divestment in her area. We can all learn from her experiences taking initiative to fight for a better future.
If you would like to find out more about Zero Hour or get involved in the organization you can check it out here:
If you would like to learn more about the green new deal and what it could mean for the future of this country you can find more information here:
A few years ago we were told that computer algorithms would serve us. Now we have learned that we serve them. So, we are compelled to ask you to “please like and subscribe” to our new YouTube channel so that others will be introduced to the work you already support.
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Global Civilian Intervention to Colonial Occupation
Webinar Thursday, November 21, 10am ET, 5pm JT
International intervention is being requested by Palestinian and Saharawi groups to help protect them from the violent occupiers. The US and most European States support or acquiesce to the Israel and Morocco illegal occupations and their repression of the residents. To fill the vacuum, international groups and tourists are helping. Are you interested in learning and maybe even being part of the historic and ongoing efforts of unarmed solidarity and civilian protection in Palestine and Western Sahara?
Join our historic webinar as we meet with experts directly involved in unarmed protection in the occupied territories. There won't be time to introduce all 22 groups doing this work in Palestine but you can come away with an understanding of a range of efforts, and determine where you might fit in. Find out how you could help pioneer UCP in Western Sahara and help a much neglected people. We’ll explore the future of international solidarity and its role in defending the human rights of these self-determination activists.
Our speakers include:
Huwaida Arraf (from International Solidarity Movement and Freedom Flotilla),
Mel Duncan (UCP Palestine-a NVI project),
Mahmoud Zawahre (Palestinian Human Rights Defender),
Wynd Kaufmyn (International Solidarity Movement and Western Sahara UCP), and
Khattari Elbaillal (West Sahara Information Center)
Daniel Roth (Center for Jewish Nonviolence)
Register here
You are most likely aware of the Israeli Apartheid wall in Palestine. Are you also aware of the second longest wall (2700km) in the world (after the Great Wall of China) built to enforce the brutal occupation of Western Sahara? Settler colonialism is a crime of many nations, including the US, Morocco, India, China, and Indonesia. Let us not fall prey to the accusation of anti-Semitism and focus solely on Israel’s transgressions. Let us learn together. And let us apply principles of self-determination and respect for human rights consistently, everywhere.
Many people are unaware of the details of the Moroccan Occupation of Western Sahara or the UCP efforts that NVI engaged in in 2022. Please familiarize yourself with some of these resources so that you can make best use of the webinar focus on UCP, and not on the current political minutiae.
Honoring Richard K. Taylor: A Life Dedicated to Nonviolence and Global Justice
Author of NVI's Training Manual Against a Coup D'etat
A long time NVI supporter, Richard K. Taylor, a renowned advocate for peace and social justice, passed away on October 14 at age 91. A lifelong Quaker who later embraced Catholicism, Taylor founded numerous organizations, including the Fair Housing Council of Delaware Valley, Witness for Peace, and the Movement for a New Society. His efforts centered on confronting injustice, promoting equality, and advocating for human rights across the globe, often drawing inspiration from figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
Mr Taylor liked to inspire people through music
Throughout his life, Taylor took an active role in challenging U.S. government policies and addressing issues such as housing discrimination, racism, and human rights abuses. He traveled extensively to countries facing conflict, such as Nicaragua, El Salvador, and South Africa, aiming to serve as a "nonviolent deterrent" against oppression. Taylor’s activism spanned multiple decades and included prominent moments like the 1963 March on Washington and the 1971 protests against U.S. policy on Bangladesh, all of which underscored his dedication to global peace and justice.
Mr Taylor and his wife
Taylor was an author of Nonviolence International's Nonviolence Training Manual Against a Coup D'etat. The Spanish version can be found here. Taylor was also a mentor to countless individuals and shared his vision through books, articles, and speeches. His wife, Phyllis, was his close partner in activism, and together they fostered a legacy of community support and inclusion. Taylor’s impact lives on in his family and the many communities he served. Services will be held in his honor at the Germantown Friends Meeting in Philadelphia, with donations encouraged to organizations close to his heart, such as Face-to-Face and the Against Malaria Foundation.
Read the full article from the Philadelphia Inquirer here.
Apartheid in Palestine and Israel is intensifying. Nonviolent mobilization is needed now more than ever.
In the face of increased repression and violence, our friends and allies are continuing and expanding their bold, creative, constructive nonviolent resistance. Join them in resisting the occupation and Israeli apartheid system and take action with us, NVI’s partners, and movements leading the struggle for justice in Palestine below.
Please spread the word about the reality of the situation and urge others to visit this page, learn more, and take action with you.
Action Items
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Demand accountability and action for Palestine in the US:
- Reach congress and other public figures with USCPR Action Alerts.
- Reject AIPAC! Sign on to show our political leaders, community leaders, and the public that American Jews and allies believe AIPAC has no place in our communities or in our politics. You do not have to identify as Jewish to sign.
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Support NVI’s fiscally sponsored partners
- The US Advisory Committee for the Hebron International Resource Network rebuilds wells, playgrounds, schools, homes in areas threatened by land confiscation.
- Holy Land Trust mobilizes Palestinians, Israelis and foreigners to work together for a future based on equality. They re-build homes, engage in dialogue, and challenge the fear of the other.
- The US Boat To Gaza supports the global flotilla to challenge the blockade of Gaza this summer. .
- We Are Not Numbers continues to humanize Gazan Palestinians with its youth-led media training program.
- The Center for Jewish Nonviolence engages in direct action and co-resistance in support of Palestinians struggling for dignity and equal rights.
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Engage with Palestinian leaders of NVI
- Read and share Jonathan Kuttab’s inspiring free book Beyond the Two-State Solution.
- Invite Palestinians to speak to your congregation or group. See our Speaker's Bureau.
- join our campaign Every Life A Universe
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Get involved in a movement or organization working for justice in Palestine–please reach out if we can help guide or connect you. Here are some of the many movements and organizations we admire:
- Palestine Action (UK)
- Na'amod (UK)
- Sabeel (Palestine and global affiliates)
- Just Peace Advocates (CA)
- Independent Jewish Voice (CA)
- American Muslims for Palestine (USA)
- Palestinian Youth Movement (USA)
- US Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USA)
- Rebuilding Alliance (USA)
- Adalah Justice Project (USA)
- Within Our Lifetime (USA)
- IfNotNow Movement (USA)
- Jewish Voice for Peace (USA)
- Community Peacemaker Teams (USA)
- Eyewitness Palestine (USA)
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Commit to changing the conversation towards a realistic solution. Israel’s new extreme government puts to rest any lingering debate about the viability of the Two-State Solution.
- Sign this statement.
Follow these social media accounts:
https://www.instagram.com/youthofsumud/
https://www.instagram.com/ali_awad98/
https://www.instagram.com/basilaladraa/
https://www.instagram.com/samihuraini/
https://twitter.com/YouthOfSumud
https://twitter.com/SoHebronWatch
https://twitter.com/masaferyatta
https://twitter.com/Cjnvtweets
https://twitter.com/holylandtrust
Background Information
For those wanting to learn more about the Palestinian struggle for freedom, please see these NVI resources below. Below the NVI resources are primers welcoming people who are not yet immersed in the conversation.
Jonathan Kuttab's Book - Beyond the Two-State Solution
David Hart's invitation to Jewish Americans
Normalization and Co-Resistance, Jonathan Kuttab
Safety Isn’t Demolishing a School, Tess Greenwood
The Many Faces of Nonviolence - A Taste of Palestine
Gaza: Cruelty Without Consequences
Important Update: Nonviolence International Stands in Solidarity with Al-Haq
Raising Up Impressive Group Challenging GBV in Palestine
Music is the Healing Force of the Universe!
Our Partner's Powerful Piece in the Forward.
The Many Faces of Nonviolence - Rachel Corrie
Expand our Compassion to Include Palestinians
The Many Faces of Nonviolence - Ann Wright
NVI Videos
Beyond The Two-State Solution, by Jonathan Kuttab. Interactive webinar.
Co-Resistance and Solidarity with Palestine - Webinar
Writer from Gaza Reflects on the Two State Solution
Spotlight on Nonviolence - Huwaida Arraf
A Video Featuring Ahmed Alnaouq, founder of WANN
A Jew Asks Questions of Two Palestinians in a Time of War
Holy Land Trust's Founder Sami Awad's Wonderful Take on Active Nonviolence - Webinar
Courage Along The Divide - Produced and Directed by Victor Schonfeld 1986
Resources from Other Groups
The Popular University of the Palestinian Youth Movement Presents - OUR HISTORY OF POPULAR RESISTANCE: PALESTINE READING LIST
Palestine-Israel Primer - MERIP
Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU)
Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories
A Threshold Crossed: Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution | HRW
Not a "vibrant democracy". This is apartheid. | B'Tselem
Visualizing Apartheid through interactive maps | B'Tselem
For those interested in learning more about state by state US legislation, please see this impressive map from Palestine Legal. They tell us, "The right to stand for justice is under attack. Politicians are pushing unconstitutional laws to stop the movement for Palestinian freedom and shield Israel from criticism."
Your Guide to Difficult Conversations About Israel/Palestine
Israel-Palestine animated introduction
Primer on the Arab-Israeli Conflict - TeachMideast
The Israel Apartheid Report Database
Do you have suggestions for other high quality introductory material we should consider including?
If so, please contact us.
And, of course, please help spread the word. Ask people to visit this page, learn, and take action.
(Art Credit - Kayla Ginsburg - from CJNV)
The brutal occupation of Palestine is likely to get even more repressive. The coalition government in Israel includes unrepentant haters and racists. They have wasted no time showing their true colors. The impacts will be immediate, widespread, and as usual those harmed the most will be Palestinians.
People who have been paying attention know that the occupation has been supported by successive governments of all parties. And still we recognize we are entering a new and dangerous moment. We will work to make sure that this is also a time with the potential for real and lasting positive change.
During this time, we will see suffering increase and we must urge people to open their eyes to the reality of the situation. We must find ways to make the power of active nonviolence relevant to this struggle. NVI co-founder Jonathan Kuttab wrote,
"Successive Israeli governments have pursued these goals steadfastly, while pretending that their aim was security and that their aspirations were for peace with Palestinians, not domination over them. The new Israeli government abandons all such pretense, rips off the mask, and dares the world to do something about it.
Acknowledging that reality is the first necessary step towards addressing it. When Israel determined it wanted to be a Jewish state, and further that it wanted to keep all the land of historic Palestine, the results were inevitable. The only two options Israel allows for are ethnic cleansing or apartheid. Calls for democracy and equality (where democracy includes giving Palestinians [50% of the population] the vote and a stake in running the country) are totally rejected.
The good news is that with this new government, the mask is off, and many people can see the reality. This includes a majority of the Jewish people in the United states and their supporters, who have always been liberal, democratic, and in favor of progressive values. Facing the reality of Israel may be painful for many of them, but it is an important first step towards seeking a new solution based on equality and human dignity, and which would also bring healing and peace."
Tallie Ben-Daniel, the managing director of Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP), said the new Israeli government has openly embraced apartheid.
“The horrifying actions of this new government, only five days in, prove exactly what Palestinians have been saying all along: Israel is an apartheid state, where Palestinians are treated as inferior. The dangerous escalations by the new Israeli government make clear that now is the time for action.”
US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib wrote,
“Not even one week into 2023, the new far-right apartheid government is moving to ethnically cleanse entire communities—which would displace more than 1,000 Palestinian residents, including 500 children. All with American backing, bulldozers, and bullets. #SaveMasaferYatta”
Palestinian woman shot and killed by Israeli occupation forces’ bullets while picking olives in Jenin
JENIN, October 17, 2024 (WAFA) A 60-year-old woman was shot and killed by Israeli occupation forces in the village of Faqqu'a, northeast of Jenin, on Thursday.
The director of the Red Crescent Society in Jenin, Mahmoud al-Saadi, said that the society's crews transferred a 60-year-old woman who was killed after being shot in the chest with live ammunition to the hospital
The woman was shot by Israeli occupation forces while she was picking olives with her family in the area near the separation and expansion wall built on the lands of the village of Faqqu'a.
The olive harvest season in the West Bank this year is witnessing repeated attacks by settlers and occupation forces, such as burning and cutting down olive trees, stealing the crop, and preventing farmers from reaching their lands.
This morning, colonists opened fire on participants in an event organized by the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission to help farmers from the village of Kafr al-Labad, east of Tulkarm, pick olives from their lands.
UN experts said yesterday that farmers in the occupied West Bank are facing the most dangerous olive season ever this year.
They added that Palestinian farmers are subjected to intimidation, restricted access to land, severe harassment and attacks by armed settlers. They considered that restricting the olive harvest season, destroying orchards and blocking access to water sources are attempts by Israel to expand its illegal settlements. source
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US military veteran arrested by Israeli forces in occupied West Bank
Michael Jacobsen was accompanying a Palestinian farmer in Masafer Yatta when he was arrested and threatened with imprisonment
17th of OCT. 2024: A United States military veteran was arrested by Israeli forces while accompanying a Palestinian farmer in a village in the West Bank, according to the International Solidarity Movement (ISM).
Michael Jacobsen was in the Palestinian village of Masafer Yatta in the Hebron governorate when he and other activists as well as Palestinian land owners were approached by Israeli soldiers on Thursday morning.
The ISM said the farmer Jacobsen was accompanying was facing "daily harassment, attacks, and invasions of his private land by Israeli settlers and occupation forces".
The soldiers demanded their identification and later Israeli police were called, who arrested Jacobsen and took him into custody at an interrogation centre.
Police told the US citizen's lawyer that Jacobsen was “endangering the public due to provocation of disturbances” and accused him of entering the country illegally because they suspected him of supporting the Palestinian-led Boycott, Sanctions, and Divestment (BDS) movement.
He was threatened with "imprisonment and deportation if he did not leave the country immediately", according to the ISM, and he chose instead to leave for Jordan.
The news of Jacobsen's arrest in the occupied West Bank comes as Israeli forces have on multiple occasions targeted American and other international activists in the area who assist Palestinians in protesting against Israeli settler encroachment.
Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has soared since the beginning of Israel's war on Gaza last October.
In June, the United Nations reported that Israeli security forces and Israeli settlers have killed more than 500 Palestinians in the West Bank since the war began.
The United Nations high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, said in a report that the cases of these killings showed "consistent violations of international human rights law on the use of force by the ISF (Israeli security forces) through unnecessary and disproportionate use of lethal force and an increase in apparently planned targeted killings".
In August, Israeli forces shot American citizen Amado Sison in the leg while he was at a demonstration held in Beita, a Palestinian village near the occupied West Bank town of Nablus.
Then, nearly one month later in September, Turkish and American national Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was shot dead by Israeli forces in a demonstration in the same village of Beita.source
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In Memory of Ziad Abu Helil: A Pillar of Peaceful Resistance and Tribal Leadership
On October 7, 2024, Ziad Abu Helil, a prominent Palestinian leader and peace activist, was killed following a brutal raid by Israeli forces on his home in Dura, south of Hebron. Ziad, affectionately known as the "Icon of Resistance," was a key figure in advocating for Palestinian rights through peaceful means while also standing as a symbol of tribal integrity and conflict resolution in his community. His legacy will continue to inspire those committed to justice and peace.
Ziad's contributions to Palestinian society and beyond were manifold. As the tribal elder (Mukhtar) of Dura, he worked tirelessly to mediate and resolve conflicts within his community, playing a vital role in maintaining social cohesion. His peaceful approach extended beyond local concerns as he engaged actively in nonviolent resistance against the Israeli occupation. He was present in various peaceful protest actions, including in the village of Al-Araqib in the Naqab Desert and the Bab Al-Shams encampment near Jerusalem. His steadfastness made him a symbol of resistance, courage, and unity.
Ziad’s famous phrase, “بيهمش" (It doesn’t matter), uttered when confronted by Israeli soldiers accusing Palestinian children of throwing stones, embodied his unflinching resolve. He continually advocated for the rights of Palestinians to peacefully resist oppression, even in the face of violence and injustice.
His last public action—a demonstration to retrieve the bodies of Palestinian women held by Israeli forces—was a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice. His leadership in this protest, despite threats and arrests, successfully pressured Israeli authorities to reconsider their policies.
Nonviolence International honors the memory of Ziad Abu Helil as an exemplar of nonviolent resistance. His leadership, courage, and dedication to his people are a reminder of the power of peaceful action in the face of immense adversity.source
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The Flotilla ships currently being prevented from leaving port by the Turkish Port Authorities
On September 12, Freedom Flotilla has announced that the demonstration to release the Flotilla ships currently being prevented from leaving port by the Turkish Port Authorities, continues in Istanbul. and they are calling for help;
We need your help in getting international media to cover this historic protest and help put pressure on the government to release the ships, ensuring we can sail towards Gaza.
HOW TO HELP:
1. Call, email, and/or demonstrate at Turkish embassies and consulates and demand that the Freedom Flotilla ships be released and allowed to deliver aid to Gaza immediately.
2. Tag mainstream accounts in this post or when you share our photos to your stories.
3. Message the social media page of the Ministry of Transport and Foreign Affairs @tcdisisleri & @uabakanligi on IG and on X
4. Share our videos using the hashtags #WeWillSail and #LetThemSail tagging @tcdisisleri and @uabakanligi
#WeWillSail #LetThemSail #TheFreedomFlotilla #FFC #Istanbul #Turkiye #Turkey #mavimarmara
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Aysenur Ezgi Eygi Killed While Peacefully Protecting Palestinians
Nonviolence International has long supported third-party nonviolent action around the world and in Palestine/Israel through training, research, fiscal sponsorship, and advocacy. NVI strongly encourages well-meaning visitors, delegations, and organized solidarity accompaniment and co-resistance to go to Palestine/Israel. This page highlights some of the many activities by courageous international people and groups in Palestine/Israel who seek to protect civilians and human rights.
On September 3, 2024, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi traveled to the occupied West Bank to join the unarmed civilian protection (UCP) group, the International Solidarity Movement (ISM)/Faz3a. According to her family, she felt a deep responsibility to stand with Palestinian civilians facing ongoing repression and violence, particularly from settlers. On September 6, 2024, while attending a peaceful protest in Beita, Eygi was tragically shot in the head by an Israeli soldier. Source.
A photo of Aysenur Eygi during her graduation.
Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was born on July 27, 1998, in Turkey and raised in Seattle, Washington. She graduated from Seattle Central College in 2022 with an Associate’s degree in Art and completed her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures at the University of Washington in June 2024. She was actively involved in pro-Palestinian activism and was considering pursuing graduate studies in Near Eastern archaeology.
Nonviolence International, an organization dedicated to promoting nonviolent resistance and human rights, strongly condemns the killing of Eygi. We express deep outrage at the violent suppression of peaceful protests towards both Palestinians and internationals. This tragic incident underscores the dangers faced by activists advocating for basic human and civil rights in the occupied territories. Nonviolence International reaffirms its commitment to supporting peaceful activism and standing in solidarity with those resisting oppression.
Please call on the United Nations, Turkey, and the United States of America to launch independent investigations and to take measures to protect everyone.
To support our partners involved in UCP in Palestine, please visit the following:
https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/ucpnp_partner
https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/ffc_freedom_flotilla_coalition
https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/cjnv_partner