Anarchists Against the Wall: Direct Action and Solidarity with the Palestinian Popular Struggle

Anarchist Intervention Series #5

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

Part of a small but growing phenomenon in Israel since 2003, Anarchists Against the Wall have been boldly challenging the Segregation Barrier and generalized violence against occupied Palestine. The reflections herein offer a window into some of the most dynamic direct action activism today.

Uri Gordon is an Israeli activist and writer and the author of Anarchy Alive! Anti-authoritarian Politics from Practice to Theory (Pluto Press, 2008).

Ohal Grietzer is a visual artist and composer, currently residing in New York. She is a graduate of Goldsmiths at the University of London, where she researched the use of irony in politics and obtained a master’s degree in anthropology. She has been an activist with Anarchists Against the Wall and Boycott! supporting the Palestinian boycott, divestment, and sanctions “call from within.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Middle East

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2012

Reviews

[Beorn]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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