The Judicial overhaul eliminates the only checks and balances that exists in Israel’s government today. Israel’s legislative branch (the Knesset) is controlled by default by the executive branch (government), and by weakening the Judicial system, all power will remain in the hands of a small group of politicians, some of whom are under indictment or have already been found guilty of criminal charges.
Israel is the homeland for ALL Jews worldwide, and for all its citizens, and as such, it is the responsibility of all who care about its future, to raise their voice against those who threaten its future.
We support a continued protection of the unique bond Israel has with all Jews and Israelis worldwide
Any person or group can organise autonomously and take action in the name and spirit of DiD so long as the action fits within DiD’s principles and values . In this way, power is decentralised, meaning that there is no need to ask for permission from a central group or authority.
Creating a Better Israel.
Our hearts tell us a different Israel is possible. Our vision of change is sufficiently broad that it can contain a variety of opinions on how best to work towards that change: “A healthy, beautiful country, where individuality and creativity are supported, and where people work together, solving problems and finding meaning, with courage, power and love. This will be underpinned by cultures rooted in respect, genuine freedoms and justice.”
Mobilising at least 3.5% of the population to achieve system change.
The change needed is huge and yet achievable. No regime in the 20th century managed to stand against a nonviolent uprising which had the active participation of up to 3.5% of the population (watch Erica Chenoweth’s TEDx talk). We acknowledge that we are in the midst of a massive crisis, one which can be hard to comprehend and cope with.
We recognise that our job may be less about “saving the world” and more about trying to develop our resilience as multiple collapses take places. We are focused on significant change towards:
Following a cycle of action, reflection, learning, and planning for more action. Learning from other movements and contexts as well as our own experiences.
We don’t know how things will change so we are willing to experiment and learn from what we do. Through ongoing questioning, reflection and learning about what has worked elsewhere we will improve what we do and not get stuck in repetitive behaviour. This is an active and ongoing process, requiring time and input for individuals and groups to think about what has gone well and why, what would be better to be done differently.
Working actively to create safer and more accessible spaces.
As a movement we are committed to campaigning for democracy, and for the future of our children. We recognise that in order to change the situation, we must change the way we think about and form relationships with those we work and ally ourselves with.
It is our goal that every individual is welcomed. Every individual in the movement is responsible for creating and maintaining safer, compassionate and welcoming spaces. A simple starting point is adherence to these core principles.
Physical violence or the incitement of violence towards others is not accepted. Discriminatory behaviour, prejudice and other forms of oppression including abusive language towards others, either during an action or elsewhere, is not accepted whether physically or online.
We approach each other from a place of compassion, and encourage each other to increase our own self-awareness and self-actualization.
We collectively create the structures we need.
We understand that we must self-organise to meet our own needs, which in the context of DiD means that we are working to encourage civic participation.
Any person or group can organise autonomously around the issues that feel most pressing for them, and take action in the name and spirit of DiD – so long as the action fits within DiD’s principles and values. In this way, power is decentralised, meaning that there is no need to ask for permission from a central group or authority. We also promote the ideas of “holocracy” over consensus:
At the same time, as a network, Defend Israeli Democracy self-organises to provide for the needs of the people participating within it, working to provide training in strategic action for change, creating better accessibility, caring for our emotional needs in relation to working together, and making time for connection and fun.
On July 2020 Israeli activists assembled in front of the Israeli Embassy in Berlin to protest against indicted PM Netanyahu in conjunction with the protests in Israel. The next few weeks were a whirlwind. The call to rally swiftly became global, with groups popping up the following week in London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, San Francisco, New York, Vancouver, Sydney, and soon after, the world over.
Activities such as lectures, concerts, performances, zoom sessions, dialogue circles, and public singing took place.
DiD was born.
Leaderless and truly global, each new group makes the movement stronger, bringing in new perspectives, wisdom, expertise, energy and inspiration.
In addition, we advocate worldwide Israeli political participation by amending voting laws to allow overseas voting through our partner organization, Israelis without Borders.
“This is a historical test for the citizens of Israel, and if we fail it, we will not be given a second chance. We must raise our heads now – or keep our heads down for the rest of our lives. We must raise our voices now – or keep our mouths shut for the rest of our lives… Each and every one of us can put a spike in the wheels of the government coup…” Yuval Noah Harari.