this is the result of incitements
Emil Grunzweig (fourth from the left) at the demonstration minutes before his murder Photo Vardi Kahana
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Far-right political violence poses a serious threat to Israeli democracy and those who work for peace. Increasingly, settlers and militant right wingers have been targeting Israeli peace and human rights advocates with death threats, bullying and physical attacks. The attackers receive encouragement and inspiration from feverish incitement against “traitors.” This trend has a long, tragic, consequential history which Peace Now wants to bring alive to Israeli youth through a multi-faceted event this Friday, Feb. 10.
To be held at Hertzliya High School in Tel Aviv, the event will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the murder of peace activist Emil Grunzweig at the hands of a right-wing terrorist, and the lessons to be learned from that act of callous brutality.
It was on Feb. 10, 1983, that prominent Peace Now member Emil Grunzweig lost his life during a peace march in Jerusalem when a right-wing fanatic threw a grenade at the front row of protesters. During his trial, the terrorist, Yona Avrushmi, said he was influenced by rightist rhetoric against the peace camp. Twelve years later, Yigal Amir, assassin of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin would make a similar claim. Peace Now hopes to help Israelis – particularly youth — connect the dots between these past events and today’s rising extremism and intolerance towards free speech.
The Feb. 10 program at Hertzliya High is being called “a civics lesson” and will include speeches, music, film and photography. The message to be conveyed: “Emil was killed for being an active and involved citizen; 40 years later our response to his murder is more relevant than ever and the best way to honour his life is through political activism.”
Canadian Friends of Peace Now is extremely honoured to be the sponsor of this important and very timely commemoration and outreach campaign to Israeli youth.
In past years, CFPN sponsored another major program in Emil Grunzweig’s memory, namely the Emil Grunzweig Fellowship Award, which has supported the volunteer work of peace and democracy youth leaders at Israeli universities.
Inspiring speakers
Participants will hear from leading advocates of peace and democracy in Israel, including: Shaqued Morag, Executive Director of Peace Now; Dr. Zeev Dgani, Principal of Hertzliya High School; Chen Arieli, Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv; Zouheir Bahloul, Palestinian-Israeli journalist and politician; Israel Frey, Haredi journalist; Vardi Kahana, prominent portrait photographer; and Yair Golan, former Member of Knesset. Also on the program: Yuval Mendelson, Israeli musician, actor, teacher and film director; and WC, an Israeli alternative rock band, consisting of the brothers Aryeh and Avshalom Hasfari.
Emil Grunzweig’s family will also attend.
Says Peace Now:
“Emil Grunzweig’s murder was a critical event because it clearly highlights the importance of protecting freedom of speech…the free and open exchange of ideas, which is essential for a healthy democracy.”
“The event will be an opportunity… to come together, remember Emil Grunzweig’s legacy, and to renew our commitment to political action and peace.”
Other aspects of the campaign will include a video of the event highlights and social media outreach.
Big thanks to all CFPN donors and supporters for helping make this very apt commemoration and public advocacy campaign possible.
Poster for the Feb. 10 event at Hertzliya High School
