An open, public, mass brainstorming session will be held today, Friday March 3, in Tel Aviv to focus on the question “After 50 years, how can we put an end to the occupation?” Participating in the event will be groups, movements, organizations and political parties, individual artists and poets, all of whom will engage in an open discussion to share information, raise questions and suggest answers.

Slogan for today’s event in Tel Aviv: (in Hebrew and Arabic): What can be done against the incitement? Oppose the Occupation!”

Towards this event, its organizers have posted the following statement:

“This year marks 50 years to the occupation, during which time Israel is trying to exist as a democratic state, despite its continuing to enforce military rule over millions Palestinians living in the territories occupied in 1967. We are the second generation in Israel which was born and grew up in a situation in which the settlement enterprise is the biggest project of the successive governments of Israel, and the main assignment of the Israeli military is to maintain and strengthen the occupation. For years the leaders and establishment of the state have told us that this is how our security is achieved and, therefore, we need to perpetually live by the sword. For years they have told us that each round of fighting in Gaza is an act of blind destiny. Instead of striving to end the conflict and to move forward in the path of peace, successive Israeli governments have chosen to deepen the occupation, expand the construction of settlements and, in recent years, even incite different parts of Israeli society against one another.”

“Over the years, civic groups and organizations have made it their goal to fight the policy of the successive governments of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories. For five decades, civil society and human rights organizations and political groups have been and are continuing to work daily in an atmosphere of ever-shrinking freedom of expression, for a political solution with the Palestinians, and for an end to the occupation and Israel’s military rule in the occupied Palestinian territories. This year we, various groups and organizations, have decided to join forces, to stand together against the government of Israel and say – enough! Enough to the policy of occupation! Enough incitement! Enough racism! Enough silencing by government! 50 years is far too long, and in the state of Israel, there is a clear majority of citizens who demand a solution and a political agreement that will ensure the welfare and security of all those living in this land.”

The brainstorming of organizations, initiatives, and individuals struggling to end the occupation will begin at 11:00 am at 1 Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv. Among the participating organizations and movements will be Hadash – The Communist Party of Israel, Mertz, Standing Together, Peace Now, Machsom Watch, Breaking the Silence, Gush Shalom, and the Bereaved Families Forum.

The public is warmly invited and encouraged to join us!

Event in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/377195662663422