A Little Context

It's become apparent in our research that a robust non-violent movement on the part of BOTH Palestinians, and Israelis is key to breaking the cycle of violence. This is a sentiment echoed many times over by groups such as the UN, Oxfam, and the United States Government. But another interesting fact is that throughout the years, almost all non-violent movements in the region have failed. Starting with Palestinian protests against British occupation in the '30s that were violently suppressed to Palestinian's failed first intifada (a dedicated non-violent movement against Israeli expansion), non-violence has traditionally not worked as it has in other parts of the world.

One of the key elements to any non-violent movement is its publicity. They work only when a third party (such as the northern states during the Civil Rights Movement) becomes sympathetic to the protesters and places pressure on the group being protested against. This publicity has been lacking throughout all non-violent movements in Israel and Palestine. Today, it's largely due to Israel's ability to control journalists access to the protests, which prevents word of non-violence from spreading, thus making it ineffectual. Check back in to see how we are going to address this critical problem and what you can do to help. Non-violence has more power than any rocket or tank ever could, we just need to communicate it!