Not only in Russia, but also in Israel, opponents of the war must be wary of the police and the judiciary. “You have to be very careful. It is almost impossible to call for peace in Israel at this time,” says activist Roni. She reports arrests, intimidation and even death threats.
Roni himself was arrested on November 9 along with seventeen other activists during a demonstration in Jaffa. Verified footage shows security forces turning violent and taking signals from protesters. Since the start of the war, there have been almost 300 arrests, reports the organization Adalah, which is committed to protecting the Palestinian population in Israel. Numerous Arab Israelis have been accused of “supporting terrorist organizations” or “incitement to terrorism.”
New activist paths
Generally, police would use “brutal force” against demonstrators and often ban anti-war rallies. “The state interprets any support for Gaza as support for terror,” said Adalah head Hassan Jabareen.
24-year-old Roni and her fellow activists are currently looking for ways to circumvent police restrictions. For example, the group has no name because it believes it is safer to remain anonymous. The activists hold vigils or small gatherings, but usually do not bring Palestinian flags because they often provoke aggression.
“Anyone who thinks differently will be silenced”
Even before the war, the group had been protesting against the far-right Israeli government. However, the authorities’ crackdown on activists is said to have become harsher. “Those who think differently are silenced,” said Noa Sattah, head of a civil rights organization in Israel.
You currently have to be wary not only of the judiciary and the police, but also of the public. “People tell us it’s a shame that these protests are happening,” Roni says. She was insulted as a traitor and threatened with death online. Even old friends from her hometown sent her hateful messages. “I hope you and your family are raped and taken to Gaza,” one message says, for example.
Police chief Kobi Shabtai has already threatened to send anti-war protesters to the Gaza Strip. But the 24-year-old doesn’t want to give up. “In order to be able to take to the streets at all, we have to restrain what we say. “You should not give the impression that you sympathize with Gaza.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
