By Jalal Abukhater
The writer, a resident of East Jerusalem, does not favor a two-state solution, but the joint demonstration did leave him hopeful that Palestinians and Israelis can work together for a better future.
Less than a week ago, I started reading on Twitter that there will be a large demonstration organized by Israeli Leftwing activists in Jerusalem protesting the new Boycott Bill and Israeli occupation of Palestinian Occupied Territories. I expected that activists will challenge the anti-Boycott law and chant for BDS or call for Settlement boycott as well as chanting for a Palestinian state, I was wrong. It turned out to be a march organized by Zionist leftists calling for a legitimate Palestinian state next to the state of Israel. I just lost all motives that would make me want to attend that demonstrations, but I eventually did, only as an observer and not a participant.
I am extremely critical of Zionism and I dislike the Two-State Solution for many reasons which I have mentioned in a previous article which you could take a look at here. I believe the one and only proper eternal solution for this conflict is one democratic secular state, it is not going to happen by Palestinians’ effort alone, nor Israelis’ effort alone, it will happen when Palestinians and Israelis decide to join hands to fight for the right to live together equally on this land. The West Bank, Syria, Jordan, Gaza, Lebanon… are not homes for Palestinians who were expelled from their homes in 1948, they deserve the right to live in their lands and enjoy equality.
Something that is worth mentioning is, as Ali Abunimah noted on his twitter, that the event official poster was slightly misleading. It was written in Arabic and Hebrew. Hebrew title said “We March for Independence” and the Arabic title said “We March for Liberation” معا نسير للتحرير. As I already said, this could be misleading, two different things, it should have said “Marching for Independence” too in Arabic rather than “Liberation” if liberation isn’t what they really seek.
I decided to attend this demonstration as an observer because I believed in the goodness of their short-term goals standing in solidarity with Palestinians living in threatened East Jerusalem neighborhoods like Shekh Jarrah, Silwan, Ras al-Amoud, A-Tur, and others and of course against illegal West Bank settlements. I decided to overlook the actual purpose they decided to march through the streets of Jerusalem. I simply despised the idea that many people there carried posters saying “Two People, Two States, One Future” That is an oxymoron. Three quarters of the Palestinian citizens in Gaza are refugees expelled from their homes back in 1948, and similar is the case in the West Bank. How would two separated peoples each living on a side of a border holding hostility to each other would have one future? If they reconcile they’d live together, or the idea of one future would be out of reach.
While heading to the demonstration, I was lucky to meet an Italian guy who was active with Solidarity Sheikh Jarrah group, I began conversing with him on the background of this demonstration and why is he attending. His words actually gave me hope. He is not a Zionist, and he does believe one day those anti-occupation activists will refuse the idea of political Zionism. He said it would take them a while, maybe decades, but just as they became anti-occupation in few years, this generation can become the hope for a peaceful futuristic one Palestine-Israel state. “Everything positive starts from demonstrations like this” he said, and I appreciated that. I believe what he is saying is true.
There was one other guy who caught my attention at this demonstration, he was carrying a placard saying “I love Arabs” in Hebrew. I immediately came up to him and asked him what his views were; he simply said “I don’t care about solutions.” Men like him, who put extreme religion and politics aside and focuses on humanitarian aspects, are men who keep me hopeful. We have seen enough misery and destruction caused by extremism, time to accept each other as humans and separate each other even more.
Although I was not officially participating in the demonstration, I was extremely happy that thousands of Israelis actually showed up for this march, from this point anything is possible. Hopefully the one state vision spreads between Israeli youth as well as Palestinian youth, because we have seen enough today to prove that youth are capable of achieving what no one else could.
As for a different matter, the organizers of this march hoped they could achieve a joint-struggle title where Palestinians and Israelis together would march for the same cause. It was a success, but not on the scale expected. Palestinians did join the march, and for the matter of fact, many Palestinians led a majority of the chants at the march. But I believe most of those Palestinians were marching for the sake of their threatened homes in East Jerusalem neighborhoods, therefore serving short-term aims of the march to put a stop to the ethnic cleansing of Arab Jerusalemites, and not to call for an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza.
Some may call me naïve, but I assure you I am not. These views are not of mine alone, they’re shared by a majority of Palestinians and many Israelis as well. This phrase is one of my favorites as it holds a true meaning, “If we can’t live together, we will die alone.”
Jalal Abukhater is a 16-year old resident of East Jerusalem. He is a high school senior at a school in Ramallah. You can follow him on twitter @JalalAK_jojo
July 20, 2011
4:24 pm
Ah … ‘Beautiful South Africa’. Israel never was like South Africa, it isn’t like South Africa and I hope it never will be.
On the Human Development Index, Israel is rated number 15, South Africa is rated 113th. And South Africa is much richer in natural resources than Israel. Now let’s try crime statistics:
“The rampant crime rate in South Africa, where around 50 people are murdered every day, was a major concern in the build-up to the tournament and had prompted accusations that the country was an unsuitable host for the world’s most popular sporting event.”
July 20, 2011
9:51 pm
Deïr Yassin, of course, Zionist hardly could be aware of the book by J.Sakai
, who stated that his understanding of settlerism came also form the discussion with his Palestinian friends
But, of course, YOU are aware of it.
July 20, 2011
9:59 pm
“”In Israel the (Jewish) head of “security” had said publicly that he is going to punish Palestinian citizens of Israel for resisting Zionist crimes – even if the Palestinian resistance are “lawful”. So much for “democracy” in Israel for “Arabs”.”
NO HE DIDN’T”
YES HE DID – now the EXACT data with the name of the “democratic” Jewish racist (he did it in the march of 2007)
“a letter the Shin Bet sent last week to a journal published by the predominantly Arab Balad party, warning that it would foil the activity of anyone seeking to harm Israel’s Jewish or democratic character, even if that activity was carried out by legal means.”
http://www.haaretz.com/news/rights-group-shin-bet-must-not-block-legal-political-activity-1.216313
But, of course, Zionists do NOT like when non-Zionists remind them about such “nice” traits of Zionist “democracy”
July 20, 2011
10:02 pm
Given that Israel settler state is a one big non-stop crime against Palestinians (robbery, murder, torture and so on) the “index” cited is a bad joke. WHAT “Human Development” is possible for both tortures and victims?
But, of course, Israel is a rich state, with all the land get “free” from the natives and all billions from the USA.
July 20, 2011
10:34 pm
yes, Human Development Index IS a bad joke.
Such “democracy” as UAE listed N 32, while the VERY real democracy Venezuela listed N 77!
by the way, Iceland got minus 14 points now. For what? This is the SAME state, but its “wealth” which previously got it the 3d number in such “clever” index, turned to be an illusion. Without robbery of Palestinian land and the hand-outs from USA, Israel will plunge even more deeply
July 20, 2011
10:38 pm
“resistance” IS resistance, and Zionism is a terror rule over Palestinians, who have ALL rights to resist it – my violent means as well. If Farfur teaches Palestinian children such, it is good.
Jewish children in Israel are taught that Zionist colonialism is OK. Poor children.
July 21, 2011
12:33 am
@LIDIA
“But, of course, Israel is a rich state … BS, BS etc”(LIDIA)
Israel is rich in human talent. And it is a thriving democracy. They even allow losers like you to preach their hatred.
July 21, 2011
12:37 am
@LIDIA
Hugo country a democracy? Yes El Presidente for life.
“VERY real democracy Venezuela …”(LIDIA)
LOL
July 21, 2011
12:50 am
@LIDIA
“Farfur teaches Palestinian children such, it is good”(LIDIA)
Ok LIDIA dear, we get it. Hamas use Mickey Mouse to teach hatred. That’s OK for LIDIA but if Mark Twain who was a non partial traveller, gives an account about his travels in the holy land which LIDIA doesn’t like, then LIDIA laughs him off and likens him to Mickey Mouse.
LOL
Make up your mind LIDIA, is Mickey Mouse good or bad? No, wait, don’t tell me, for Hamas he is good, for Zionists he is bad, right LIDIA ?:) LOL
July 21, 2011
9:55 am
hatred is taught in countless Zionist schools – the hatred for non-Jews, and it is even supported by the leading religious authority – like a very influential rav who published a book about how it is more than OK to kill non-Jewish babies, while getting from Zionist state (and from abroad) money for his genocide teaching
Mark Twain knew NOTHING about modern Palestine, he did not speak Arabic and saw only what tourists see. The real history is NOT based on tourist accounts when there are enough documents, and there ARE enough. Of course, if Zionists have nothing better to support their hasbara, they have to be really desperate – it is good as well
July 21, 2011
9:58 am
of course, Zionists lie ALWAYS, and regarding Venezuela as well. Of course, the best friends of Israel in the ME are such “democracies” as UAE or SA, not mentioning REAL prez for life i.e. Mubarak
July 21, 2011
10:39 am
regarding wonderful UAE, so dear to Zionists
“The oil-rich country of the United Arab Emirates is full of supposedly happy citizens enjoying a generous welfare system. But even so, it has not been spared the wave of pro-democracy sentiment that has engulfed the Arab world, as scholars and academics demand greater freedoms from the ruling regime. This week, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch came down hard on the authorities in the UAE, issuing reports condemning the imprisonment of five pro-democracy activists last April. The activists, Ahmed Mansoor, Nasser bin Ghaith, Fahad Salim Dalk, Hassan Ali Khamis and Ahmed Abdul Khaled, were involved in creating and signing an online petition posted in March. It called for democratic reforms in the form of an elected parliament with more legislative power. In response, UAE authorities detained the five, accusing them, among other things, of insulting the president. Prominent human rights organizations accused the UAE of breaching international human rights conventions.”
Of course, Venezuela is WAY worse, right
July 21, 2011
1:29 pm
@LIDIA
“Mark Twain knew NOTHING about modern Palestine, he did not speak Arabic and saw only what tourists see”(LIDIA)
First: We were not talking about modern Palestine, we were talking about Palestine in the 1800s.
Second: He didn’t have to speak Arabic to see that the land was populated sparsely as he travelled through it.
July 21, 2011
2:23 pm
comment was deleted. no personal attacks allowed.
July 21, 2011
2:47 pm
@MODERTOR
This woman LIDIA has said that she wants to see all Zionists packing from Israel. She also admitted that most Israeli Jews are Zionists. And I am not allowed to call her a hater for it? Go check it out, she said it on this very thread.
July 21, 2011
3:10 pm
@MODERATORS
I guess, calling someone a hater is a personal attack and the post has to be deleted. But attacking an entire people is ok?
Shame on you. I guess only extreme left wingers are allowed to have free speech.
July 21, 2011
10:24 pm
of course, I am against Zionist colonizers. To be against them is the same as being against French colonizers of Algeris. I suppose Sartre was a hater back then?
It is a pity that a Palestinian-hater proudly proclaiming himself “Zionist” could not get who is hater here
And how many stupid things other travelers wrote about OTHER lands? Should we throw out documents and rely on some tourists? There is a joke about a Brit who crossed the Chanel, saw a redhead and then wrote “the French women are all redhead”
“Modern” Palestine is Palestine in the modern time, NOT now. MT was here in the modern time.
July 21, 2011
10:26 pm
Anyway, Zionists are SO boring. They know too few tricks and I suppose I just quit now.
July 21, 2011
10:48 pm
Your comment is awaiting initial confirmation
@LIDIA
“of course, I am against Zionist colonizers. To be against them is the same as being against French colonizers of Algeris. I suppose Sartre was a hater back then?”(LIDIA)
There are at least 6 million Jewish people in Israel. You agreed that most of them are Zionists. You also said that you want to send them packing. That’s not the same as being against us. That is saying that you want to ethnically cleanse us from our country. That’s not hatered?
I guess, as far as 972 Magazine is concerned, calling someone like you a hater is worse than you wanting to ethnically cleanse 6 million people from their homes.
And what do you mean by this?
@LIDIA – “Anyway, Zionists are SO boring. They know too few tricks and I suppose I just quit now.”(LIDIA)
This is just a game for you isn’t it? You sit next to your computer and post hate messages all day and enjoy yourself. And you are calling us Zionists boring? I pity you.
July 21, 2011
11:59 pm
” In short – the choice in the real world is not between the two state solution and the one state solution. The choice is between the two state solution and the continuation and exacerbation of the occupation. ”
I hear you Adam and I agree with you
” one democratic secular state ”
Jalal , as a secular Israeli I would love that to , but , like Adam I live in the real world .
You cant take the Holy out of this unholy land , its never going to happen .
July 22, 2011
12:50 am
I second Reffo’s question. What is more offensive? Calling for the destruction of a country (including by violent means) and the exile of millions of citizens (the majority of whom know no other home) or calling somebody a hater?
It’s not a trick question, really!!!!
July 22, 2011
4:04 am
kibbutznik,
A democratic secular state is the best protection for all people and their freedom of thought and expression whatever their religion, whatever their ethnic background.
.
The current Israeli state perfectly illustrates the dangers a regious/ethnic state has for people that are not part of the ruling group ( and in fact for everyone )
July 22, 2011
4:47 am
directrob I agree with every word you wrote above
but i’m a realist
the religious are a majority in this part of the world
you think they are going to change ?
I dont
July 22, 2011
5:30 am
@DIRECTORB
“A democratic secular state is the best protection for all people and their freedom of thought and expression whatever their religion, whatever their ethnic background”(DIRECTORB)
Yes, I agree with that too. But even secular democratic states have majorities and minorities both with full citizenship and democratic rights.
Take France for example. French Christians (mostly Catholic I believe) are the majority. Then there are minorities like French Jews and French Muslims (many of whom are recent immigrants). In theory, all those groups are meant to have equality. In reality, some do, some don’t. But One thing is for sure. The culture of France is French, they teach French history, they celebrate Christmas and the first language is French.
Most secular Jews in Israel want the same thing. They want Hebrew to be the first language, teach Jewish history, they want to celebrate Hanukah.
Nevertheless, in both countries, minorities can have their sub cultures as long as they conform to the law of the land.
Most of us don’t have a problem with the above concepts. What both the French and Israeli people (the majority current populations) would resist though is the notion of becoming minorities in their own countries.
July 22, 2011
5:46 am
@DIRECTORB
“The current Israeli state perfectly illustrates the dangers a regious/ethnic state has for people that are not part of the ruling group ( and in fact for everyone )”(DIRECTORB)
The current problem with the Arab Israeli conflict is that the Jewish people in Israel, want to remtain their majority so that the state can remain a state with a Jewish culture, language, the only state in the world with such an ethos.
The Arabs on the other hand want to turn Israel into an Arab majority so that it would turn into the 22nd Arab Muslim state in which Arab culture, the Muslim Religion and Arabic would be the ethos. Do you consider that to be fair? 22 Arab/Muslim countries and not a single Jewish one in the world?
July 22, 2011
8:56 am
“The current Israeli state perfectly illustrates the dangers a regious[sic]/ethnic state has for people that are not part of the ruling group ( and in fact for everyone )” [end of DirectRob]
Why is it that you (and your like) don’t seem to have a problem with there being dozens of Muslims states (many of whom persecute non-Muslims with no shame)? Why should Israel be the first (or only) one to give up her religious/ethnic identity?
July 22, 2011
3:46 pm
@MITCHELL COHEN
You hit the nail right on the head. Take India for instance. The Muslims who were 12% of the population, insisted on self determination so in 1948 they split off and formed their own Muslim state, Pakistan. And more recently, in Kosovo, the Muslims split off from Serbia and declared independence.
Why is it that we don’t hear even a single peep out of the sensitive extreme lefties and some Muslims, about ethnocentric Muslims? Why is it that they are always only preoccupied with tiny Israel which is the ONLY Jewish state in the world?
July 23, 2011
3:33 am
I do not believe that Jews and Muslims are different classes of people. I would never want a state to be Hindu, Christian, Muslim or Jewish.
July 23, 2011
4:04 am
@DIRECTORB
Try this little thought experiment, it is not too far fetched:
How do you think the mainstream French population would react if the floodgates would be opened up and unrestricted immigration would be allowed from North Africa, in numbers that would threaten to overwhelm the mainstream French Catholics by Arab Muslim immigrants. Do you think that the majority of the French people would accept such a proposition?
You can try it in reverse too. Pick a small Arab country, say Lebanon which has a majority Shiite population. Suggest to them that they should allow themselves to be flooded by Sunni Muslims. Or maybe Christians so that the Shiites would turn from a majority to a minority. Do you think they would accept it? Feel free to try it anywhere else.
I won’t claim that my prediction would hold 100% of the time but I strongly suspect that it won’t be far from 100%.
that’s just the way we humans are. Not perfect but tribal and parochial. We Hebrews are no different and we have at least as good a reason to conform to this human norm as anyone else.
July 26, 2011
6:47 am
I am not a zionist. I was born in Israel and therefore am an israeli citizen. I was not at the demonstration as I live in Spain. Together with the author of the article I believe the only way to exist in this world is to co-exist. In the long run only those who know how to live together will survive in this region. However, on the short term it is more important to show simple solidarity and call together for a solution. If I am not mistaken the Palestinian authority is making an effort to declare an independent state in September. If this is what they want, I am with them.