Even in These Hard Times, We Are Not Alone

06/11/24

“I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for coming. It strengthens us and gives us hope that there are people on the other side who care for us, unlike the government,” said Ziyad from Beit Jala to dozens of activists from Zazim and Rabbis for Human Rights who came to help with the olive harvest alongside Palestinian farmers.

After severe blows to democracy at home and in the United States, it’s crucial to remember: we have only each other – the citizens. Even in the face of a government seeking to trample the very values we stand for – equality, justice, and civic solidarity.

Together, we will continue to fight for democracy and equal rights for all Israeli citizens. We will keep opposing the occupation, pushing for an end to the conflict, and advocating for a political solution. Before October 7, we had numerous victories against the judicial coup: we halted the expansion of rabbinical courts' powers, more than 142,000 of us joined a campaign to save the Kan Broadcasting Corporation – and we succeeded. Over 175,000 Zazim members signed a petition to the High Court to prevent the removal of the "reasonableness clause" as part of the judicial coup, and the court struck down the law.

This past year has been harder than ever, and we will need to work tirelessly and for the long haul to succeed. But we have no choice. We’ll support each other and not give up. Together, we will grow stronger until light prevails over darkness.