J Halper June update, webinar, needed actions

Photo: An Israeli settler confronts activists in the Palestinian village of Maghayer Al-Dir, 21 May 2025. (Oren Ziv)

ICAHD, however, stands relatively isolated in its political work. As Jeff lays out in his update, neither the Palestinians (since the rise of the collaborationist and repressive Palestinian Authority) nor the Israeli peace camp nor our international supporters have risen to the level of an effective political movement mobilized behind a political program. We are simply not part of the political game.

Jeff opens his update by discussing where we stand in the struggle against the Zionist settler colonial project and for Palestinian rights that includes a just and shared post-colonial future. He then goes on to suggest ways to address the political shortcomings.

At 25 minutes, this update is long but the struggle in which we are engaged is complex and requires analysis and strategy. We cannot communicate in soundbites. We hope you find Jeff’s presentation useful as he tried to present the Big Picture and that you will then please circulate it to your networks. View this video update here May Demolition and Displacement Report

Photo: As-sir, Naqab desert, 31 May 2025

In addition to all the demolitions happening in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem, they also continue to occur in the Negev/Naqab at an alarming rate. On 12th June, yet again, thousands of Israeli Jews and Palestinians came together for a huge demonstration to protest the demolition of homes and entire villages within the recognized and unrecognized villages in the Naqab. They gathered in front of the Israeli government's offices in Be’er Sheva. This followed a similar demonstration on 29th May when 10,000 men, women and children gathered under the banner "Stop the Demolitions – United Against Displacement in the Negev." Protesters demand an immediate halt to demolitions, equitable planning policies, and housing alternatives for displaced families.

Israel’s far-right Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has overseen a dramatic increase of about 400% in house demolition orders in the Naqab during the last year. Instead of recognising the historical and proprietary rights of the Arab-Bedouin society in the Naqab Ben-Gvir seeks to forcibly displace these Bedouins who are citizens of the state of Israel.

No Palestinian, wherever they live, can escape Israel’s apartheid and genocidal policies so this is why the root causes of its Zionist settler-colonial policies must be addressed as international civil society is mobilised in support of the Palestinians’ call for justice and the rule of law to be respected.

The government has made a few moves by putting sanctions on far right MKs Ben Gvir and Smotrich and some extreme settlers but none of that has stopped Israel’s starvation in Gaza and the genocide in Gaza and the West Bank.

The Palestinians’ only hope is international civil society with our ‘people power’. News of what we do reaches them so join the struggle and help keep hope alive for all those working for justice. ICAHD UK Webinar The Dramatic Events Unfolding in the Middle East Photo: Israel attacks Iran 12 June. IMEMC

Join us on June 25th for an in-depth analysis over the events unfolding in the Middle East, where the region is headed and, in particular, how all this is affecting the Palestinian struggle. Jeff Halper will enter into in-depth discussion with expert speakers, still to be decided. Register for this webinar here

The documentary, directed by Sufyan Omeish and Abdallah Omeish, and narrated by If Americans Knew founder Alison Weir, focuses on the effects of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and discusses events from the rise of Zionism to the Second Intifada and Israel's unilateral disengagement plan, presenting its perspective through dozens of interviews, questioning the nature of Israeli-American relations — in particular, the Israeli military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, and the ethics of US monetary involvement.

Occupation 101 includes interviews with mostly American and Israeli scholars, religious leaders, humanitarian workers, and NGO representatives — more than half of whom are Jewish — who are critical of the injustices and human rights abuses stemming from Israeli policy in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.

It features ICAHD’s Jeff Halper, the Atta Jaber family (including Atta’s father), Rabbi Arik Ascherman and many of our colleagues and is testimony to those who have given their lives to involvement in this struggle.

Take advantage of being able to watch it free of charge and then send the link to those in your network. View this iconic film here

Palestinians are calling for internationals to stay with these communities to provide protective presence. By being there, internationals can help prevent settlers from trespassing on their land, stealing livestock, demolishing homes and structures vital for living as well as assisting with farming activities. Two of the opportunities available to internationals are highlighted below so please give this serious consideration. Jordan Valley Solidarity Photo: Internationals provide protective presence in the Jordan Valley

Jordan Valley Solidarity activists are part of the committee composed of community representatives, the Tubas Governorate, political parties and NGOs who stand in solidarity with the herding communities in the Jordan Valley that are threatened by displacement. The committee coordinates the activities of Palestinian and international volunteers.

It works in co-operation with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) and Faz3a, as internationals are assigned to stay with families in Palestinian villages. Internationals who join them are provided with accommodation, information on how to reach the Jordan Valley, advice on how to best support the families, and a warm welcome.

Volunteers work with the farmers in planting crops and picking olives; manufacture mud bricks, which are used to build houses for farmers or Bedouins; and learn about life, the natural environment and the history of the Jordan Valley. Tent of Nations Photos: Internationals volunteer at Tent of Nations, located between Bethlehem and Hebron

Volunteering at the Tent of Nations (ToN) is a unique opportunity to experience life on a Palestinian farm, enjoy the hospitality of the Nassar family, learn about caring for the land, the situation of the ToN, and meet people from all over the world. Volunteers are part of this small community working together to keep the farm and ToN projects running and growing.

A special program is prepared for each day, including orientation, information about the situation of the country, activities, and more. Evenings are spent around the campfire and at the weekend, internationals go on excursions to Bethlehem and its surroundings. Hold the Government to Account

Photo: London demonstration, 4th June, Red Line for Palestine - Arms Embargo & Sanctions Now

Governments have allowed Israel to act militarily with impunity which has brought us to this point where through Israel’s starvation of the Gazans and its wider genocidal policies of the Palestinian people including in the West Bank. the Palestinian people are being erased.

There are many examples about the UK government’s failures to take meaningful action to call Israel to account. Here are two examples about what is happening that can be raised with your MP:

* Ask that Early Day Motion 1424 , Israel’s interception of the British-flagged Madleen boat, be signed.

* If you disapprove of the government’s response to what is happening in the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), inform your MP of your position. More than 300 FCDO staff sent a letter to Foreign Secretary David Lammyin May raising concerns about potential UK "complicity" in Israel's assault on Gaza. The civil servants were told to consider resigning if they disagree with government policy on Gaza. This response has shocked the signatories of the letter. They know that our government has a duty to comply with international law. Likewise, civil servants work under a code which requires that they observe international law.

Dates for Your Diary Saturday, 21^st June, noon – National Demonstration for Palestine – central London. ICAHD UK will march with the Jewish Bloc.

Wednesday, 25 June, 6pm – ICAHD UK Webinar - The Dramatic Events Unfolding in the Middle East - Details above.

Tuesday, 17 July, 6pm – ICAHD UK Webinar – Human Rights Defenders – with Issa Amro, Youth Against Settlements, & Rabbi Arik Ascherman, Torat Tzedek. Information to follow.

Saturday, 1 November – ICAHD UK Annual Conference, Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, 235 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8EP. Details to follow nearer the time but please note the date in your diary.

From all at ICAHD UK. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Israeli-Committee-Against-House-Demolitions-UK/366423593418140 Facebook https://www.twitter.com/ICAHDUK/ Twitter http://icahduk.org Website mailto:info@icahduk.org Email