The Occupation is Occupying Israel

Israel’s most hardline coalition in history has introduced measures to give politicians unprecedented power over the justice system, weakening checks and balances. Extremists are in cabinet. Minority rights in Israel appear to be in jeopardy. At the same time, the government has declared its intent to settle all parts of the “Land of Israel,” including Judea and Samaria (aka the West Bank). Actions to this effect are already underway.

Why has Peace Now adopted the slogan: The Occupation is Occupying Israel? Are there connections between the government’s pro-settler agenda and anti-liberal measures within Israel proper? How swiftly is the government moving to change the status quo? Can a coalition of pro-democracy forces stop the right-wing bulldozer? Will international protest make any difference? What role can Diaspora Jewry play?

Shaqued Morag and Michael Sfard will tackle all these issues and more in a webinar that sheds light on a very complex and frightening new reality.

Shaqued Morag has been the Executive Director of Peace Now/Shalom Achshav, Israel’s pre-eminent peace movement, since June 2018. Prior to that she was a parliamentary advisor and then the interim Chief of Staff with Meretz, Israel’s social democratic party. She has also made her mark in women’s rights and social justice organizations.

An expert on international human rights law, humanitarian law, and the laws of war, Michel Sfard has championed many high-profile cases in Israel. He has represented a variety of Israeli and Palestinian human rights and peace organizations and activists before Israel’s Supreme Court. He is the legal counsel for a number of human rights and peace NGOs, including Peace Now.