Anarchists Against the Wall

Anarchist Intervention Series #5

by Uri Gordon (Editor), Ohal Grietzer (Editor)

Πόσο εύκολο είναι να ονομάζεσαι Γιονάταν, Γιούρι, Τάλι, Γκιλ, Σάρα, Ρουθ και να θέλεις να απαλλαγείς από τα "σιωνιστικά γυαλιά" που -στις πλείστες των περιπτώσεων- σου έχουν φορέσει από την ημέρα που γεννήθηκες στο Ισραήλ; Και ποιο είναι το τίμημα αν τολμήσεις να το κάνεις; Να μεγαλώνεις σε ένα εθνικιστικό περιβάλλον, να μαθαίνεις αριθμητική στο σχολείο μετρώντας τανκς αντί για μήλα και η μπάλα σου να πέφτει συνέχεια σε πόδια στρατιωτών που φυλάνε κάθε γωνιά στο όνομα της "ασφάλειας". Και τι θα συμβεί αν μια μέρα η συνείδησή σου ξυπνήσει και καταλάβει το νόημα του σιωνισμού και της κατοχής; Αν μια μέρα σπάσει τα τείχη του φόβου, του ρατσισμού, του εθνικισμού που για χρόνια χτίζουν μέσα στο κεφάλι σου; Αν αρνηθείς να υπηρετήσεις στον στρατό για να μη γίνεις συνένοχος στο έγκλημα; Και αν τελικά αποφασίσεις ότι η ελευθερία δεν μπορεί να είναι προνόμιο των λίγων "εκλεκτών" και σταθείς στο πλευρό των καταπιεσμένων; Αυτοί είναι οι Αναρχικοί Ενάντια στο Τείχος: μία από τις πιο γενναίες και αφοσιωμένες ομάδες που δουλεύουν ενάντια στην κατοχή. Πηγαίνουν εκεί που άλλοι Ισραηλινοί φοβούνται να πάνε, βάζουν τους εαυτούς τους τακτικά σε σωματικό και συναισθηματικό κίνδυνο, και οικοδομούν ένα εντελώς νέο επίπεδο συμμαχιών με τους Παλαιστίνιους που αγωνίζονται για δικαιοσύνη.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Middle East, History

144 pages, Paperback

First published December 11, 2012

Reviews

[Beorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read not just for those who have an interest in Israel/Palestine but those with an interest in anarchism and/or political activism in general.
Also a fairly essential read for anyone in the anti-Zionist camp who thinks that Israeli society is unanimous behind the actions of its government.

[blastdamagedays · Rating 5 out of 5]

I try my best to be optimistic, but I'm prone to doomerism. This book reassured me that there are indeed Israelis out there who long for peaceful coexistence with free Palestinians within a fully liberated Palestine. It also served as a long overdue reminder that I can and should be doing so much more on my end. I've lived in a settler-colony my whole life and I occupy a privileged position not unlike that of Israelis. For me it was both interesting and insightful to see how they grapple with their privilege.

I've learned a lot from the comrades of AAtW. Their words have touched my heart. I find their viewing of Israel as a ghetto especially striking. Israel is seen as a rug under which to sweep the so-called "Jewish problem"; a place for other countries to dump the undesirables, guarded by walls and fences, with borders enforced using the most grotesque manifestations of violence; a place where one is constantly surrounded by soldiers, ex-soldiers and future soldiers; only all of it is ostensibly done for the protection of its citizens and at the ultimate cost of Palestinian lives.

I'm convinced that I'll get to see a free Palestine within my lifetime. 🇵🇸

[n · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this because it's great to see some anarchists in other regions. This book focuses on essays from a group of anarchists in Israel. There are a few that highlight some of the issues within organising groups (excessive machismo among them).

However, my issue is that though they are ostensibly against the Israeli state's treatment of Palestinians? There is a distinct lack of Palestinian voices. It's one more thing that I'm left questioning about decisions that were made by publishers and relevant academic anarchist organisations.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possibly the most important collections of experiences from Israeli activists in relation to the ongoing Palestinian conflict you will ever read. AAtW are a true beacon of hope that one day, Israelis and Palestinians can coexist peacefully, but until that day their fight is unending.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through goodreads giveaway program. I entered because I wondered what makes Anarchists tick. Unfortunately for me, the book is pretty narrowly focused on actions against the wall which the Israelis have built to control Palestinians. Most of the pieces assume that the reader is knowledgeable about anarchist philosophy.

That said, I did get something out of the book which has at least 18 authors. (Some pieces do not credit an author so I can not tell an upper limit.) If you come to the topic without knowing much about it, I suggest you start with the unpromisingly titled "Dykes and the Holy War" on page 107 which was surprisingly accessible. "Hey Babe, I hope you're not in Jail" on page 114 was also a worthwhile read that offered some insight to an outsider.

For me this is more of a two star read, but I clearly was looking for a different book. I suspect someone knowledgable and sympathetic to this movement would get more out of it so am giving it 3 stars with that person in mind.

[Ollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anarchist Against The Wall is a short book chronicling pamphlets that have been put out by the "Israeli" group AAtW in protests against the occupation of Palestine and also collects stories of people who have participated in protests, or decided to be part of this cause in Israel. The stories are personal and put a face on the protesters (or "Anarchists") as well as putting into perspective how they see the injustices carried out against the Palestinians in the name of Israeli identity.

A good read, but nothing revolutionary.

[Bettina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting if rather personal accounts of life as anarchists in israel standing and fighting in solidarity with the palestinians