Why is it crucial for us to engage with the international media?
The ongoing war has thrust the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into the global spotlight. This presents a unique opportunity to shape international public opinion, influence perceptions of the conflict, and propose what might be the most effective approach to its resolution. It is imperative, therefore, that we utilize this moment to broadcast our message, one we believe the world needs to hear.
A core message that we have consistently prioritized is the unity of the Palestinian people. Contrary to the fragmented portrayal often advanced by Israel both on the ground and in the collective consciousness, we assert that the Palestinians are one single nation. This reality is now more apparent than ever as Israel attempts to isolate Gaza from the rest of Palestine, depicting it as an autonomous entity that can be easily eradicated. However, we understand that many Palestinians within Israel and the west bank have deep family ties to Gaza, sharing a collective pain.
Another message of paramount importance at this juncture concerns the political resolution of the conflict. In times that might appear more peaceful, there is a tendency to debate the merits of different political solutions, such as one state versus two states. However, in these critical times of emergency, it is vital to vocally advocate for a political solution, emphasizing that military approaches are not just ineffective but are part of the problem. We advocate fervently for an immediate ceasefire, the end of the occupation, siege, and oppression, and for the cessation of any form of force and dominance by one party over the other.
The third message is at the very heart of our mission: Dialogue. We are witnessing an alarming level of institutional persecution, silencing, and thought suppression directed at Palestinian citizens merely for their identity, perceived by the establishment as a threat or potential adversary. This is coupled with an unprecedented level of persecution against Jewish citizens who criticize the war. When our voices are suppressed, so too is our capacity for independent thought. This culture of silence has even begun to permeate our dialogue groups, leading to a palpable fear of speaking out and a significant drop in participation. Consequently, we are calling for an end to this institutional persecution and, alongside this, we are dedicated to fostering spaces conducive to safe and free dialogue for both Palestinians and Jews.
These compelling reasons underscore the importance of our presence in international media, on any platform willing to amplify our messages. These messages are available here in various languages for broader dissemination:
In German: An interview featuring Roi and Noor on the 3sat public television channel, with the segment beginning at the 6:30-minute mark.
In Finnish: Roi’s interview on the “MPA – Everyday World Politics” podcast, with his segment starting at the 19:00-minute point.
In Dutch: An article featured in the “RTL Nieuws Online” newspaper.
In French: An article published in the “Le Parisien” newspaper.
In Swedish: An article published in the” Balder Magazine“, by our dear friend Thomas Lerner.