This page focuses on events and protests opposing the aggressive Israeli government offensive in Gaza. It supports a political process leading to an effective ceasefire and an end of the siege on Gaza. These events are rarely covered in the mainstream media, and if so, are seen as delusional. We are proud to have covered these events and are posting them on the Social TV website, YouTube, Facebook, cable and satellite television channels (channel 98 + 30), as well as affiliate websites that share the values we promote.
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At the end of the week in which the kidnapping of students Gil-Ad Shaer, Naftali Fraenkel and Eyal Yifrah was made known, we joined hundreds of Jews and Arabs from across the country for a cultural and shopping event against racism, which was held in Fureidis. After milling around the many stalls and hummus shops, visitors broke up into various groups to discuss the heightened tensions between Jews and Palestinians in Israel.
On 02.07.2014, after the three yeshiva students Gil-Ad Shaer, Naftali Fraenkel and Eyal Yifrah were murdered, the Palestian teenager Mohamed Abu Khdeir was abducted and killed. The day after the murder, violent demonstrations were held in Shu'afat in East Jerusalem. At the same time a rally against racism was held in Hatulot Square in West Jerusalem. Listen to a radio interview (in Hebrew) we had on Kol HaShalom.
Demolishing the homes of terrorists is a well-known practice, although proven not to be very effective, The IDF announced its intent to demolished the homes of the murderers of Gil-Ad Shaer, Naftali Fraenkel and Eyal Yifrah. What about the murderers of Mohamed Abu Khdeir? Of course this option is not being considered. Check out public opinion on this issue.
Following the murder of Mohamed Abu Khdeir, activists and members of the "Tag Meir" Forum organized a condolence visit to the mourning tent of Mohamed Abu Khdeir.
During “Operation Protective Edge”, we witnessed uniformed incitement emanating from mainstream Israeli media channels. But in the Gaza peripheral communities, other voices were heard. Some there view Hamas as a negotiating partner. They also oppose military attacks on Gaza and see Gazians as people who want to live in peace. Other voices, though absent from the Israeli media coverage, were prominent on Social TV. Residents of Sde Nitzan, Sderot, Nirim, Nativ Ha'asara – “Kol Acher" (another voice) – expressed criticism of the government's aggressive policies and solidarity with the people of Gaza.
At the end of the first week of “Operation Protective Edge”, joint Jewish-Arab rallies against violence and racism were held. In Jaffa, a rally initiated by “Yad B’Yad" with the participation of children and their parents, was held protesting the separation of Jews and Arabs since preschool. A Rally was held in the Arab city of Tira. Their motto was "Jews and Arabs refuse to be enemies”. Knesset Members, mayors, public figures and the general public took part. Jews and Arabs held a joint action in Wadi Ara under the banner "Neighbors of peace.”
(Next two articles available only in hebrew)
During the first weeks of the war, we produced two versions of the "Social Order” edition.
The "Peace Square" Initiative of the “Bereaved Families Forum” has taken place every night since 09/07/2014. A tent was set up in Tel Aviv Cinematheque plaza and every night discussions were held and activities calling for reconciliation and peace for the two peoples. On the eve of 15/7, women took ‘center stage’ and talked about the unique impact of war on women and their special role in conflict resolution.
Before IDF initiated a ground operation, heavy aerial bombardment was used in the Gaza Strip. Injuries requiring medical treatment was vast and heavy and inflicted a heavy burden on the health services in Gaza. We initiated a Skype call with Mahmoud Daher, the World Health Organization representative in Gaza. Afterwards our reporter Ido Dagan was interviewed (in Hebrew) on “Kol HaShalom”.
As the war continued, the mainstream media rarely covered the resistance and protests against violence and racism, although many took place in Israel and worldwide. Here’s a video of voices from the first two weeks of the war and a report from our "Social Order" edition on the weekend protests of 19-20/7.
During “Operation Protective Edge”, in addition to the regular army, tens of thousands of reservists were mobilized, Unlike past wars and operations, this time almost no draft resisters and conscientious objectors were heard. Coincidentally, the recruitment of Udi Segal, a signatory of last fall’s seniors’ letter, landed in the middle of the war. Udi refused to be drafted and is currently serving time in Prison 6. Here’s Udi’s statement and a rally supporting him when he reported to the induction center.
The biggest rally against the war was held in Rabin Square on 26/7. The media did not reported it ahead of time, but instead focused on the intention to cancel it. Eventually it took place as planned and thousands took part. MK Dov Khenin, representatives of “Combatants for Peace” and the “Bereaved Families Forum” spoke, along with others.
In order to finance protests across the country, an emergency fund was established, and several peace organizations mounted a campaign to raise funds abroad. Here’s a campaign video produced by Social TV.
In view of the slanted mainstream media coverage of the war, we asked protesters at the rally what they think of the media's role during “Operation Protective Edge”.
During the war, public discourse on social networks was very inflammatory. Following this radicalization, we filmed a discussion of youngsters from both the right and left, religious and secular, Jews and Arabs. They discussed the limits of wartime discourse, when opinions become illegitimate, and individual limitations within all this. (available only with hebrew subtitles)
A demonstration was held in solidarity with the people of Gaza in the city of Lod. Palestinians came from various places in the country. Lod is a mixed city and some even have relatives in Gaza. (available only with hebrew subtitles)
Every Friday morning, members of “Yad B’Yad" in Jaffa, children and their parents, protest against the war and against racism. On Friday 8/8, they collected humanitarian aid and donations for Gaza’s residents. (available only with hebrew subtitles)
Last Saturday, a big rally by the Peace Camp against war and in favor of the peace process was planned. Despite efforts of the organizers, the police decided not to grant them permission to demonstrate. For someone who wanted to know about the demonstration and its goals, the mainstream media would not be the place. But the rally’s cancellation made headlines in most news outlets, and that, in spite the hundreds who had already arrived to protest.
Every Friday, the "Peace Bus" journey begins in order to visit people living on the border and collect money and medicine for residents of Gaza. They also meet those living in the Gaza peripheral communities, soldiers, and Palestinians – all to promote tolerance, understanding and non-violence.
Protective Edge was held during the summer, prior to returning to school teachers had to deal with issues such as racism discourse and incitement among students.
*** Along with this, Social TV provides a platform for video reports and photos from the field and, along with other like-minded organizations, reports on war issues and protest events. It also posts dozens of written news reports and editorials, which are written by the Social TV team. They look at the government's aggressive policies, and are critical of the mainstream media.
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