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International Solidarity Gives Us Hope

Interview with palestinian leader ayed
Morrar and Israeli activist Jonathan pollack

By Jeff Pekrul

Palestinian Ayed Morrar and Israeli Jonathan Pollack are major figures in the Palestinian-led nonviolent struggle against Israel’s military occupation. Ayed led his village of Budrus in a campaign of 50 non-violent protests in 2003-2004 which resulted in moving the Wall’s path off village land and back to the Green Line. Jonathan, from Tel Aviv, has mobilized hundreds of Israeli activists to participate in nonviolent resistance alongside Palestinians in the West Bank. Both Ayed and Jonathan have been imprisoned by the Israelis for their non-violent resistance organizing.

This fall, ISM sponsored a 12-city U.S. speaking tour of the two activists. The following interview took place after a presentation to two groups of high school students in San Francisco.

IntervIew wIth ayed Morrar
Q : what are the goals of this speaking tour?

A : We are trying to get our message out, especially to people in the U.S., about the real situation in Palestine. We believe that everyone can do something to help the Palestinian people achieve their freedom. The girls and boys at this school could help by asking their families to boycott Israeli-made products when they shop at the store; the boycott is a very big step in our struggle. They could also write articles about Palestinian rights or political prisoners in the school newspaper.

Q : what is the role of non-Palestinian solidarity groups such as ISM, and Israelis in non-violent protest in palestine?

A: Internationals are an important part of our movement. First of all, it gives us hope to see that others are standing with us. It is especially important to have Israelis participate in the protest; we used to see them only as soldiers and settlers, but now we know that there aremany good people among them in a master/slave relationship. Secondly, we need international activists to be live witnesses to what is going on, and to spread the word once they return home. All Palestinians feel very warmly towards people who take time away from their jobs and families, to come and protest in solidarity with us

Q: Is the success in budrus spreading non-violent protest to other villages where the wall is being built?

A : Yes. Actually similar tactics were used in many other villages before Budrus, but people often gave up because the military retaliation was so brutal. The majority of the Palestinian people believe in this approach. We depend a lot on diplomatic efforts, but we also must depend on ourselves to achieve our goals. With support from others, we hope to see a light at the end of this tunnel soon.

Interview With Jonathan Pollack
Q : what the relationship between the Israeli anti-occupation movement and palestinians?
A: The main point is that we Israeli activists are not a force of colonial liberators. We’re there because it’s also our struggle for freedom, and we struggle against occupation as it’s being done in our name. The Palestinians are completely capable of struggling for themselves. We don’t need to teach them anything or show them anything. Everything is completely Palestinian-led; all strategic decisions are made by and must be taken by Palestinians. We have relationships with the Palestinians that are based on our common goal of resistance to the occupation. Working with Palestinians, we are trying to put an end to the occupation because freedom and equality are not something you can grant and take away. These are universal rights and everyone deserves them. Until all are free, no one is free.

Jeff Pekrul is a technology worker who resides in San Francisco and is active in several health-related charities. Jeff was an ISM volunteer in Palestine during the 2004 Olive Harvest Campaign.