The Application of Nonviolence International’s Tactical Framework in "All Rise"

Introduction

The publication "All Rise: Judicial Resistance in Poland" by Marcin Mrowicki highlights the strategic and organized resistance of Polish judges against authoritarian encroachments on judicial independence. Using the Nonviolence International Tactical Database as a foundation, this work demonstrates the power of nonviolent tactics in preserving democracy and judicial autonomy. Below, we detail the integration of our framework, key outcomes of the resistance, and its broader implications, along with a call to action for further engagement with our tactical database.

Integration of Nonviolent Tactics Framework

The publication represents a significant milestone in the application of Nonviolence International’s Tactical Database. By categorizing judicial resistance actions such as public demonstrations, digital campaigns, and legal challenges, the framework provides a comprehensive lens to analyze these efforts. This integration underscores the database’s versatility, offering insights into how nonviolent tactics can effectively safeguard institutional independence.

Catalyzing Broader Resistance Movements

Marcin Mrowicki’s use of the Nonviolence International Tactical Database demonstrates how these tactics extend beyond grassroots movements to professional and institutional settings. Actions such as acts of omission, commission, and expression mobilized solidarity among judges, lawyers, and civil society, forming a united resistance against systemic authoritarianism.

Lessons for Pro-Democracy Movements

The publication illuminates the adaptability of nonviolent resistance in challenging political climates. Polish judges, faced with systemic threats to their independence, strategically employed tactics that disrupted authoritarian agendas while safeguarding democratic principles. These insights serve as a valuable resource for pro-democracy movements worldwide, illustrating how even nontraditional actors like the judiciary can lead impactful resistance.

Impact of Judicial Resistance

The resistance actions detailed in All Rise had profound national and international repercussions. They catalyzed European Union interventions, including financial penalties against the Polish government, and inspired solidarity across borders. Ultimately, these efforts contributed to the electoral defeat of the ruling Law and Justice Party in 2023, demonstrating the long-term impact of organized nonviolent resistance.

Specific Case Examples

Polish judges employed tactics like the "Chain of Lights" protests, where citizens and legal professionals came together to defend the judiciary, and resistance to the "Muzzle Law," which aimed to silence dissenting judges. These actions not only showcased the creative application of nonviolent resistance but also underscored the importance of judicial independence as a democratic cornerstone.

Broader Implications for Global Movements

The publication provides actionable lessons for global movements facing authoritarianism. It emphasizes that judicial independence is not merely a legal principle but a vital pillar of democracy. The tactics and outcomes described in All Rise offer inspiration and guidance for activists, civil society groups, and legal professionals worldwide.

Acknowledgment of the Tactical Database

The Nonviolence International Tactical Database proved instrumental in structuring the resistance analyzed in this publication. Its framework not only enabled effective categorization but also empowered judges and their allies to design impactful strategies. This validation highlights the database’s role as a foundational tool for resistance planning and analysis.

Call to Action

We invite readers to explore the Nonviolence International Tactical Database to discover how nonviolent tactics can be adapted to diverse contexts. Whether you are an activist, scholar, or professional, the database offers a wealth of knowledge and a platform to contribute your insights or case studies. Together, we can expand its scope and continue to support nonviolent resistance worldwide.

Read the whole publication here: All Rise: Judicial Resistance in Poland

Global Civilian Intervention to Colonial Occupation – Webinar 

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?On Thursday, November 21, we hosted a powerful and inspiring webinar exploring unarmed civilian protection (UCP) efforts in the occupied territories of Palestine and Western Sahara. Experts and activists shared firsthand insights into the critical role of international solidarity in supporting self-determination and defending human rights. 📺 Missed it?

The discussion addressed the challenges of colonial occupation, settler violence, and repression faced by Palestinians and Saharawis, as well as how international groups are stepping up to fill the vacuum left by state inaction. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the decades-long movements in these regions and explored ways to engage in these historic efforts.

Our distinguished panel included:

• Huwaida Arraf (International Solidarity Movement & Freedom Flotilla)
• Mel Duncan (UCP Palestine – an NVI project)
• Mahmoud Zawahre (Palestinian Human Rights Defender)
• Wynd Kaufmyn (International Solidarity Movement & Western Sahara UCP)
• Khattari Elbaillal (Western Sahara Information Center)
• Daniel Roth (Center for Jewish Nonviolence)

We delved into parallels between the Israeli Apartheid Wall in Palestine and Morocco’s 2,700km-long occupation wall in Western Sahara, emphasizing the importance of applying principles of self-determination and human rights universally.

Join us in amplifying the voices of the oppressed and advancing the global movement for justice and solidarity!

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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

ISM Palestine

Faz3a

Faith as a Catalyst for Climate Action

Last week, 250 individuals, including Mubarak, founder of Nonviolence International, united in a monumental moment by endorsing the faith-driven appeal titled Protecting Our Common Climate System: Earth Governance for a Sustainable Future. This document, shaped by principles rooted in global faith traditions, calls for transformative governance to address the climate crisis.

Mubarak’s involvement reinforces the organization's commitment to fostering global cooperation and sustainable peace through environmental justice.

Key Messages

1. Global Climate Governance:
   • The current reliance on national-level commitments is insufficient in the face of the climate emergency.
   • A cooperative, fit-for-purpose global governance structure is needed to manage the Earth’s climate as a shared system.
   • The document proposes a UN Declaration of Planetary Emergency, complemented by a Planetary Emergency Platform and Action Plan.
2. Faith-Based Principles for Climate Action: The appeal draws upon universal values shared by religions and philosophies:
   • Protection of Creation: Urgent action to safeguard the Earth's ecosystem and climate system.
   • Reciprocity/Equity: Advocating for intergenerational fairness and establishing Institutional Representatives of Future Generations.
   • Justice/Fairness: Ensuring equitable use of resources, recognizing the human right to a healthy environment, and promoting environmental justice mechanisms such as an International Court for the Environment.
   • Social Responsibility: Supporting the creation of a Fossil Fuel Treaty to phase out fossil fuels while addressing global inequities.
   • Guardianship/Earth Trusteeship: Proposing better governance models for global and national commons.
3. Proposals for Action:
   • Adoption of governance frameworks inspired by principles like the Golden Rule and the Rights of Nature.
   • Support for establishing the role of a UN Special Envoy for Future Generations and repurposing the UN Trusteeship Council to govern global commons.
   • Strengthening environmental law to include ecocide as a crime under the International Criminal Court (ICC).
4. Call to Action:
   • The appeal invites individuals, organizations, and states to endorse these principles and highlights the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring a sustainable future.

Educational Takeaway

This appeal bridges the gap between faith-based values and actionable climate policies, making it a vital document for those seeking holistic approaches to environmental governance. By integrating spiritual and ethical dimensions, it provides a unique roadmap for inclusive and equitable climate solutions.

Further Engagement

The document also directs readers to resources, campaigns, and proposals for deeper understanding and active participation in the movement for Earth governance.

Full Document

UN

PAX 

International Environmental Forum

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.

An update on the Arrest Warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu 

The ongoing war on Gaza has seen unprecedented levels of destruction and human suffering, drawing global condemnation and calls for accountability. In a major development, an international arrest warrant has been issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing alleged war crimes and violations of international law. This pivotal moment could mark a turning point in the struggle for justice and peace in Palestine.

The Arrest Warrant: A Step Toward Accountability

The arrest warrant signals a significant step by the international community toward holding leaders accountable for actions that may constitute war crimes. Netanyahu’s leadership has been marked by policies and military actions in Gaza that many human rights organizations have decried as disproportionate and in violation of international law. This warrant is a testament to the growing demand for justice for the Palestinian people, particularly in light of the devastating consequences of the recent escalation.

This is a defining moment for the global movement for Palestinian rights. We urge supporters of justice and peace to:

• Contact Your Representatives: Demand that your government supports international accountability mechanisms and presses for an end to the war in Gaza.

• Raise Awareness: Share information about the arrest warrant and its implications on social media, and encourage others to take a stand.

• Support Humanitarian Efforts: Donate to organizations providing critical aid to the people of Gaza.
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Nonviolence International stands in solidarity with the people of Gaza and calls for immediate international action to end the violence and ensure accountability. Together, we can work toward a future where justice and peace prevail.

The apartheid system in Palestine and Israel has reached new levels of repression. Palestinian communities are facing severe and unrelenting challenges—from the ongoing expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank, which force families from their homes and strip them of their land, to the genocidal attacks in Gaza, where civilians suffer devastating loss and relentless violence. These escalating atrocities make it clear that the time to act is now.

In the face of these threats, our Palestinian partners and allies are undeterred. They continue to resist through bold, creative, and steadfast nonviolent action, holding onto hope for justice despite immense obstacles. Join them—and us—in resisting occupation and apartheid. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Action Items

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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)
5. 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

#SaveMasaferYatta 

#DefendMasaferYatta

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 101

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”

"We are not going to build a better future in Israel and Palestine by killing or dominating each other. We need a proactive nonviolent movement with vision and strategy."

"Israel has never truly negotiated for peace; it has always negotiated for security and dominance." - Sami Awad

Sami Awad is a Palestinian nonviolent activist and co-director of Nonviolence International. He is also the founder of Holy Land Trust where he was its director for 25 years. 

In this article, Sami Awad shares a profound perspective on the threat that nonviolent movements pose to the persistence of occupation. He reveals the harsh truth behind the failure of the peace process and the repressive impact of the October 7th events on nonviolent activism in the region.

🔗 Read the full article now via the link below👇

Nonviolent resistance in Palestine is more dangerous than ever l Waging Nonviolence

Part 1, a glimpse of Oct 6. A Day of Remembrance

On the one-year anniversary of the genocidal war on Gaza, and in support of the global movement for Every Life, A Universe, I believe it is worthwhile to consider three realities:

The situation on October 6, 2023
What actually happened on October 7, and
What has been happening since that fateful day.

The following article is one of three dedicated to analyzing the realities before, during, and after October 7th, 2023.

Gaza’s Situation on October 6, 2023

US and Israeli media and politicians often speak as if Hamas carried out an unprovoked attack on October 7, which started the current round of hostilities. The reasoning goes that since Hamas started this round, it is responsible for its consequences, no matter how horrible. Israeli actions are seen as a "response,"  and we are often asked, “How else should Israel have responded? What would you have them do?”

But we first must ask: what was the situation on October 6?

On October 6, Gaza, a small area about 22 miles long and between 5 and 8 miles wide, was packed with 2.3 million Palestinians, two-thirds of whom were refugees and survivors of the 1948 Nakba. Israel was imposing a severe siege on the whole strip (with cooperation from Egypt on the southern border) whereby no people or goods could enter or leave the strip without Israeli approval.

Israel had managed to continue the occupation of Gaza after it withdrew its settlers in 2005, without being physically “on the ground,” except for occasional forays. It controlled the area from the air, sea, and by managing all entrances. This situation mirrored the West Bank, where Israel is still the occupier, but where it has subcontracted internal affairs of the major city centers to the Palestinian Authority, under severe restriction. So too had Israel “subcontracted” internal control of Gaza to Hamas while maintaining external control, frequently invading the area with bombardment and “mowing the lawn” operations. 

On October 6, Israel continued to dominate the Gaza strip, with its currency, population register, customs controls, and regime of restrictions. Postal, communications, internet, and fuel services were also strictly under Israel’s control. It doled out permits for all services into and out of Gaza, including fuel, medical supplies, entry and export of food materials, and all other needed goods and services, through a system of extortionist Israeli middlemen.  

The short list of goods that Israel permitted to enter Gaza excluded not only “dual function goods” that could serve military as well as civilian uses (such as steel bars and cement), but also innocuous materials such as glass, chocolate, all but one form of pasta and spaghetti, etc. Often the list showed caprice and nastiness, and it seemed to have no logic behind it other than Israel's desire to assert power and control. Fishing, which the Oslo Agreement allowed up to 12 miles out, was also strictly restricted, usually to 6 or 3 miles, and it was often banned altogether.

The de-development of the Gaza strip was so severe that most of its residents were dependent on relief and supplies from UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency), whose supplies were also carefully monitored and often delayed or restricted at Israel’s whim. It was commonly known that Gaza was the world’s largest open-air prison, and in 2012 the United Nations announced that Gaza would be unlivable by 2020. 

For its part, Hamas tried to join a political process. It changed its charter to be more moderate, announced repeatedly that it would be willing to accept a long-term “hudna” (ceasefire) with Israel, and expressed openness to accept a two-state solution accepted by the majority of Palestinians in an open election. It also supported the brave civil society initiative known as the March of Return, a nonviolent action that was met with brutal savagery as Israeli snipers killed and maimed hundreds of Palestinian unarmed protesters while the world stood silently by.

Attempts were also made to create a joint Fatah-Hamas front and to end the divisions preventing Palestinians from negotiating with one voice, but these efforts failed. Both Hamas and Fatah blamed each other for this, but the US and Israel made it clear they would not allow an end to the schism. Netanyahu openly told Mahmoud Abbas that there would be no relations and negotiations with them if they made peace with Hamas.

As if all this was not enough, Netanyahu was continuously tightening the noose, placing more and more restrictions on Gaza, such as limiting the availability of electricity to a few hours a day through controlling the amount of fuel allowed into its one electricity company . 

The Israeli government, dominated by right-wing parties, was also busy with its own problems, from the corruption charges, to the unprecedented street protests, and was also infected with enormous hubris regarding its economic, political, and military superiority over its neighbors. It was not in any mood to offer anything but more restrictions to the people of Gaza.  The Gaza Strip was a pressure cooker, so it was no surprise that eventually it exploded. 

To understand what happened on October 7, we need to be cognizant of the reality that existed in Gaza on October 6. The prison camp of Gaza was totally unlivable and unacceptable, and it had to end. The world, however, including those concerned with peace and justice, had somehow forgotten about Gaza and neglected its people.

There is much to criticize about Hamas, but one cannot blame them for preparing to fight their enemies and tormentors, or for attempting to break out of their open-air prison. On October 6, the situation in Gaza was truly degrading and intolerable, and the world seemed not to listen or care. Something had to
be done to bring the plight of Gaza back into consideration, and October 7 was Hamas’ answer. In many ways, it was inevitable.

Part II, Oct. 7: What Actually Happened That Day?

On the one-year anniversary of the genocidal war on Gaza, and in support of the global movement for Every Life, A Universe, I believe it is worthwhile to consider three realities:

1. The situation on October 6, 2023
2. What actually happened on October 7, and
3. What has been happening since that fateful day.

The following article is the second of three dedicated to analyzing the realities before, during, and after October 7th, 2023.

When coming to an understanding of the events of October 7, we must ask: what actually happened on that fateful day?

This question is important because of the prevailing political and media narratives. These narratives claim that what Hamas did on that day, apart from being unprovoked, was so heinous and evil that it excused everything that happened next. This allows politicians to claim that the evil of Israel’s genocidal attacks was only a “response” and that blame should be laid squarely at the feet of Hamas. We hear frequently that Israel’s actions were an imperative needed to rid the world of the evil of Hamas.

Since so many of the myths perpetuated about October 7 have been debunked and proven untrue (40 decapitated babies, widespread systematic rapes, and the burning of babies), it is important that we know what actually did happen.

My own observations and research on that question run contrary to the popular narrative. It is important to start with the qualification that I am a pacifist and do not think violence is ever the proper response. However, under international law, an oppressed people has the right to resort to armed struggle, provided it is aimed at combatants, not civilians. However, I personally do not believe violence is the proper or effective way for Palestinians to resist, and I must insist that nonviolence is our best method.

Having said that, it needs to be stated that what happened on October 7 was first and foremost a brilliant military operation. On that day, the severely underresourced forces of Hamas, using largely handheld weapons and homemade explosives, effectively penetrated the high tech walls and fences surrounding them. In over 40 places, Hamas fighters simultaneously breached the fence,  attacked and captured two or three army bases, killed over 340 soldiers (by Israeli reports), captured over 40 additional soldiers, and took them to Gaza to use them for prisoner exchange. In addition, Hamas’ attacks caused the collapse of the entire Israeli security system surrounding Gaza, leaving its borders open for angry Palestinian mobs to attack the surrounding Israeli kibbutzim and communities.

In addition to the legal military actions, Hamas also attacked civilians at a music festival that was held about a mile from their enclave. They also overran a number of Israeli civilian settlements, killing residents, and captured about 200 civilians as hostages. Such attacks on civilians and the taking of civilian hostages is clearly contrary to international law and cannot be justified, particularly since among the hostages were elderly people and children who could not be considered combatants under any circumstances. These civilians should have been immediately released without any conditions.  In addition, it must be noted, Hamas fired a barrage of primitive rockets at primarily civilian targets, which is also illegal under international law. .

The stunned Israeli forces failed to provide protection to these communities or secure their borders. Instead, under the Hannibal Directive, in order to prevent the taking of hostages back into Gaza, they carried out numerous attacks, mostly by helicopters and tanks. These deadly attacks burned all vehicles moving back towards Gaza. Israel also carried out attacks in the kibbutzim where hostages were being held, killing both Palestinian attackers and Israeli hostages. These attacks killed so many people that the numbers of actual Israeli casualties had to be revised from 1400 to less than 1200, since many bodies had been burnt beyond recognition. It was later discovered that these victims were not in fact Israeli civilians or soldiers, but Palestinians. A recent report said that 28 Israeli helicopter gunships  used up all their ammunition and had to return to reload that day.

Every person killed on that day is a universe unto themselves, and such deaths are truly to be mourned, whether soldiers or civilians. Their deaths were the direct results of Hamas’ attack, even if it was Israeli soldiers who actually killed them under the Hannibal Directive. Likewise, the terrifying experience of being captured and held captive for political reasons is never acceptable or justifiable anywhere, anytime.  However, I still believe these corrections to the popular narrative are necessary.

Although horrible and unspeakable, false narratives of exaggerated crimes by Hamas and uncertainty about how many of the Israeli civilians were killed by Palestinian mobs or Israeli forces need to be further investigated.  This is especially true since the behavior of Hamas has been viewed and condemned as barbaric and is proclaimed to be integral to Hamas’ identity and character. These claims are aimed at justifying the demonization of and subsequent attempts to destroy Hamas. Anything, including civilian structures, institutions, events, and people alleged to be associated with Hamas in any way, was thus proclaimed to be legitimate targets for destruction and annihilation. 

What also happened on October 7 was the traumatic collapse of Israel’s vaunted security arrangements, its intelligence apparatus, its constant surveillance, its military doctrine, and its deterrence. The attack triggered past traumas from centuries of antisemitic persecution and the Holocaust, evoking fears of the destruction of Jewish life in Palestine, akin to the destruction of the First and Second Temples. It also triggered  fears akin to every settler-colonial movement of the “revolt of the natives.” All these fears and traumas were triggered by October 7 and in many ways enabled the massive and totally disproportionate genocidal response. October 7 was not viewed as another episode in the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians but as an existential event pertaining to the very survival of the state of Israel and the Jewish people as a whole.

Every Life, A Universe,

Jonathan Kuttab, Co-Founder

P.S. Please join the Every Life,  A Universe Days of Remembrance by wearing black ribbons/arm bands and attending our 2 remaining days of online events led by Israeli and Palestinian peace heroes!

Part III, Post Oct 7th: The Illogic of Violence in Palestine/Israel

On the one-year anniversary of the genocidal war on Gaza, and in support of the global movement for Every Life, A Universe, I believe it is worthwhile to consider three realities:

The situation on October 6, 2023
What actually happened on October 7, and
What has been happening since that fateful day.

The following article is the third of three dedicated to analyzing the realities before, during, and after October 7th, 2023.

Right after October 7, and under the intense trauma of that day, which has not yet dissipated, Israel announced a number of fateful decisions that continue to govern its behavior to this day, a full year later:

1. Israel announced that there were no longer any restraints or red lines for military violence. If there was ever actually any respect for rules, standards, regulations, international law, or international public opinion, these were no longer operative. In light of what happened on October 7, everything was allowed, and in fact required, to avenge that defeat and “ensure it never happens again”.
2. Genocidal language and actions were now the order of the day. Gaza had to be “wiped out” and leveled to the ground. They were “Amalek” (a Biblical reference to a tribe King Saul was ordered to annihilate: men, women, children, and animals, without mercy.) They were announced to be “human animals” and would be treated as such. “They” clearly referred to all Gazans, (and subsequently, others as well). Israel justified cutting off their water, food, fuel, and medical supplies. These statements and actions were carried out at the very highest level and repeated by various officials and leaders: From the Prime Minister, the President of Israel, to the Defense Minister, to journalists and pundits. Violence against Palestinians in Gaza was, and is, celebrated by some Israeli soldiers proclaiming their crimes on their social media accounts. These statements seem to accurately reflect overwhelming sentiment in Jewish Israeli society.
3. The important distinctions between civilian and military, combatants and non-combatants, were completely erased. This was accomplished with a variety of excuses, first ignoring Hamas’ political and civil institutions and organizations, then making  the claim that Hamas was embedded in the civilian population and used their own civilians as “human shields.” These excuses continued with bogus claims that military command centers were located under hospitals, universities, mosques, and other civilian structures. By always claiming, without proof, that they have accurate intelligence information, Israel totally erased the distinction between civilian life and military targets. Preventing access by  independent foreign journalists while hunting down local journalists made the message clear: Israel’s version of events was not to be challenged or fact-checked. It should be noted that detailed investigations following the 2008-2009 and 2014 conflicts by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the United Nations Human Rights Council, have failed to find a single documented case of any civilian deaths caused by Hamas using human shields. 
4. The full power of destructive weapons and advanced technology was used against the whole population in Gaza. 2000-pound bombs were dropped in the midst of a densely-populated area, and even on tent encampments, with horrendous results. Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) programs such as Lavender were used to provide algorithms that generated a bank of hundreds of “targets” daily which could be destroyed with missiles, artillery, armed drones, quad-copters, and tanks, usually from afar. They were enhanced by such cruel A.I. programs as Daddy’s Home to ensure that whole families of “targets” would also be wiped out. 
5. Populations were ordered to move around, leave their homes en masse, on short notice, and be crowded into smaller and smaller “safe areas,” which were in turn bombed and attacked. There seemed to be no limit or restraint on the violence used. This same tactic is now being used in Lebanon. On Wednesday, October 2nd, Israel “ordered” the evacuation of 30 towns and villages in Lebanon, including villages north of the Litani River and Nabatiyyah, the 6th largest city in Lebanon. Those who refused to move were told they would be presumed to be terrorists or sympathizers and risked being shot or bombed just for staying in their homes. 
6. Powerful friends abroad, particularly politicians and media in the United States, were enlisted to support the Israeli narrative. These powerful figures sought to prevent and fight calls for ceasefire and de-escalation, protect and provide impunity against international accountability for Israel, and label all those who tried to challenge Israel and its actions as enemies and antisemites.
7. Goals were announced for the military campaign, such as “total victory” and the utter destruction of Hamas and its governing structures, that were impossible to realize and that ensured that the war would continue almost indefinitely. What Israel initially announced would  last a few weeks has continued for one year, and there is no end in sight. Running out of ammunition, which occurred in the first few weeks, was remedied by an apparently limitless resupply from the United States, and a commitment to continue doing so. 
8. Worst of all, the very thought of peace and resolution of the conflict with Palestinians was removed entirely from the conversation.  A full year after October 7, there is no discussion of resolving the Palestinian Question. On July 18, the Israeli Knesset overwhelmingly rejected any possibility for a future Palestinian state. No peace process, no negotiations, no vision of anything other than continuing conflict and reliance on military power alone. The issue for Israel is no longer fear of expanding the conflict but seeking ways to ensure that it expands and escalates further. Beginning on October 8, the current government made a fatal choice for Israel: it will live by the sword, and it may end up dying by the sword. 

On October 7, I thought naively that the horrible events of that day may offer an opening for direct negotiations between Hamas and Israel, where parties could  exchange hostages and prisoners and begin a genuine conversation about  a lasting, just peace. I also thought that the utter collapse of the High-Tech Wall and of Israel’s “security doctrine” could lead to a re-evaluation of militarism and a move towards diplomacy and reconciliation. I was very wrong. Instead, we saw a doubling down on military solutions, a determination to use power and more power, a rejection of all calls for ceasefire, de-escalation, and negotiations, a shrinking of the Israeli “peace camp,” and a grim, vengeful determination to use overwhelming force and force alone. The principles established by Israel on October 8 are now the principles that guide it  in Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank, and perhaps also Iran and elsewhere. 

The saddest thing about the current situation is that all parties are now thinking only in military terms.  No one is thinking of “what makes for peace,” but only about how to inflict greater pain, loss and destruction on the other side.

Those of us who care about justice and peace, who care about Palestinians, Israelis, Lebanese, and other human beings, need to break out of the paradigm being imposed on us by one interpretation of October 7 and return to basic principles:  Justice, fairness, human rights, international law, and seeking that which makes for peace, rather than war.  We must find a way, with a commitment to active nonviolence, to maintain our hope in a better future for all, rather than despair, despondency, and surrender to the dark logic of violence and hatred. 

Every Life, A Universe,

Jonathan Kuttab, Co-Founder

End the Suffering: Global Days of Remembrance and Action

October 6, 7, and 8

#EveryLifeAUniverse

Nonviolence International invites you—communities, congregations, institutions, and individuals throughout the world—to commemorate the one-year mark of October 7th in a way that renews our resolve for justice and peace. Let us remember and honor the sacredness of every life, grief for those lost over decades of violence and oppression, and acknowledge those who are in pain today: those who have lost loved ones, are injured, abducted, displaced, whose homes have been destroyed, and who suffer from hunger and illness.

Through our grief and remembrance, let us renew our commitment to never give up on justice and peace between Palestinians and Israelis

As we reflect on the motto, "Every Life, A Universe," we find a profound and unifying message rooted in both the Torah and the Qur’an, sacred texts that elevate the inherent dignity and value of each individual life.

Torah Foundations: Every Life, A Universe
In Jewish tradition, the Torah teaches that to save a life is to save an entire universe. This principle, derived from Leviticus 24:17 and echoed in the Talmud, reflects the immense value placed on human life. Each person has the potential to impact the world in immeasurable ways, and thus the loss of a life represents the destruction of that potential. When we honor the motto "Every Life, A Universe," we are reminded of the Torah’s call to cherish and protect life, recognizing the ripple effect each person has on the broader fabric of humanity.

Qur'anic Foundations: The Sanctity of Every Soul
The Qur’an echoes this sentiment in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32), stating that "whoever kills a soul... it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one—it is as if he had saved mankind entirely." In Islam, this teaching reinforces the sacredness of every life, emphasizing that the well-being of one individual is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the whole of humanity. The Qur'an invites us to see every person as a part of the larger whole, making the preservation of life a communal responsibility.

We invite you for three days of remembrance and action by doing the following:   

1. Wear a black ribbon or armband during these days. We want to see people all around the world, in our cities and towns, workplaces, and educational institutions, wear black ribbons or armbands in order to create the collective consciousness of grief for lives that haven been lost. You are also welcome to write "Every life, a Universe" on your ribbons or armbands. 

2. Organizing community vigils, sit-ins, sharing circles, walks, events, fundraisers, days of fasting, and humanitarian efforts for each of the days;

   On October 6th, you are invited to remember the decades of the past and decry the mistreatment and suffering of Palestinians caused by Israeli policies of expulsion, imprisonment, apartheid, siege, and occupation.

   On October 7th, you are invited to remember and decry the violent attacks by Hamas and others, including the hostage-taking, and the death of over 1,000 Israelis in a single day.

   On October 8th, you are invited to remember and decry the launch and continuation of Israeli attacks on Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, the killing of over 40,000 individuals, the injury of over 80,000, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians and the abduction of thousands from their homes and families. 

   Here is the Youtube video of how the global online event happened on October 6th:

    

   Here is the Youtube video of how the global online event happened on October 7th:

    

   Here is the Youtube video of how the global online event happened on October 8th:

Use the hashtag #EveryLifeAUniverse on your social media, change your profile picture to the our event's black ribbon attached below, and share your activities on the following Facebook page so others can join you and for all of us to know what you are doing on the Facebook Event Page. 

Join us in your own way to say that violence, whether in defense or for liberation, is not the answer. Only nonviolence, which dismantles systems of oppression and violence and calls for collective justice and equality, will ensure that Israelis and Palestinians can live together in safety, peace, and justice.

Goals:

• To create global momentum that transcends the dichotomy of right versus wrong and unites us in a collective call to end all suffering. Our aim is to move forward toward achieving peace and justice for everyone.
• We seek to establish a unified ritual space where we can come together to acknowledge and process the past. This includes confronting grief, grievances, and the structures and systems of oppression that have perpetuated suffering across decades.
• Our objective is to reframe the Israeli-Palestinian crisis in a way that fosters a shared vision of equality, justice, and reconciliation. By doing so, we hope to encourage and mobilize collective actions to end the suffering.
• We want to remind everyone that we are the change-makers we have been waiting for. If we don't act now, the suffering will continue and intensify.

Please read a short article by our co-director, Sami Awad, about Oct 7th with a focus on nonviolence, which can be found on Waging Nonviolence.

You can  join our facebook event page and add your event there

Explore our Tool Kit on how to participate in the Global Days of Remembrance and Action, filled with actionable steps and resources: Tool Kit

If you would like to co-sponsor and have your event promoted through our network, please register using the following link: Google form

We are not alone in our commitment to honoring Every Life, A Universe. Others Every Life A Universe share our vision, working toward the same goal of celebrating human dignity and fostering peace. We encourage you to learn more about their efforts as we continue to grow our collective impact.

Here were the campaign co-sponsors:

• Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA)                                    
• Prayers for Peace Alliance (Philadelphia, USA)
• Jefferson County Palestine Solidarity (Washington State)
• Epigenetic Alchemy
• Center for Jewish Nonviolence
• Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom (SOSS)
• Lindsay Stanek
• Combatants for Peace (Palestine/Israel)
• Euphrates Institute
• Peace Catalyst International
• Beyt Tikkun: A Synagogue without Walls & the Network of Spiritual Progressives
• Network for Spiritual Progressives
• Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace (PCAP)
• Fellowship of Reconciliation (USA)
• Parents Circle-Families forum (Israel/Palestine)
• American Friends of Parents Circle (USA)
• American Friends of Combatants for Peace (USA)

"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." —Rumi