Harry Stannard interviews Or, an Israeli peace activist.
On Saturday January 13th, close to 100 people attended the city of Leicester’s Secular Hall to hear Or, a peace activist from Israel, speak about the movement there. At the age of 19, Or spent some months in prison 15 years ago, after refusing to be called up to serve in the Israeli army. She had spoken previously to a meeting of Leicester Friends of Bethlehem, which has hosted visits to England by Palestinian youth living under military occupation in the West Bank.
Or hopes to speak to further meetings in England, and readers are invited to contact me if you would like to help in this work. I interviewed Or to find out more.
What is the situation for Israelis opposed to the actions of the Israeli government since October 7th?
The situation for those opposed to the actions of the government and the army depends on whether you are Jewish or Palestinian, and for the latter whether you have Israeli citizenship or not. For example some Palestinians in the West Bank protesting against the war on Gaza have been arrested. Other Palestinians have lost their visas allowing them to work in Israel. Meanwhile some Palestinians who have Israeli citizenship have been sacked, because their Jewish employers do not want even to hear Arabic spoken – so even not opposing the war can cause you harm!
Some students have been kicked off their university courses for speaking against the war, and life for Palestinians generally is dangerous in current circumstances, considering that many more Jewish citizens possess guns. An average of 1,500 weapons licences have been issued per day since the war began.
Jewish Israelis protesting against the war are called ‘traitor’. Harassment on social media has led to accusations of ‘terrorism’ against us, and right wing gangs have besieged the homes of some.
What made you become a conscientious objector originally?
Perhaps it’s my stubborn personality! I believe it was the right choice to refuse army service, which I see as rooted in, and encouraging, the violence of our society generally, not just in the occupied areas. I wanted my Palestinian friends to see that there are also Jewish citizens who feel it is important to make this stand, even if it means going to gaol. Also I knew that the media is more interested in writing about those who take a public stand, ensuring my voice would be heard.
Can you say more about what you call “the movement for the demilitarisation of Israeli society”?
In addition to the NGO New Profile, which was founded in 1998, there are many more activists and organisations that oppose the militarization, which we look at in a broad way, for example indoctrination in the education system from kindergarten upwards, to make you know that one day you will become a soldier. We talk about the normalisation of guns in the public sphere, and its dangers. We spread information on the implications of being in the army on the mental health of the individual, and much more. You will find lots of useful information by googling DIMSE and also New Profile.
New Profile has a consulting network, which gives information and guidance to people who have made the important decision not to serve in the army. Since October, hundreds of people have approached us for help.
What is your view of the BDS movement?
Throughout history the use of boycotts has proved to be an effective tool to place pressure on both companies and governments to change their policies.
Have you experienced any anti-Jewish feeling whilst you’ve been in England?
Yes, on some demonstrations I have heard some people chanting a phrase in Arabic that translates as: “Kill all the Jews”. However, I suspect that others have repeated the phrase unknowingly, without knowledge of Arabic. At a meeting in Leicester I heard someone say: “Most Jewish Israelis weren’t born in Israel and have a second citizenship anyway, so don’t really have Israel as their home.” This is factually incorrect, and cuts across what people like me are doing, which is to build a movement supported by both Jewish people and Palestinians.
How can Labour Hub readers help the work you are doing?
I am available to speak to more meetings in England, and would ask you to contact me. It is also possible to make donations online at https://newprofile.org/en/
Harry Stannard is a member of Leicester West CLP.
Image: Demonstration for a ceasfire in London on January 13th, c/o Labour Hub
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