Globalize the Intifada is a slogan that has been used for advocating for global activism in support of Palestinian resistance against Israeli control. The term intifada being derived from the Arabic word nafada meaning to "shake off", refers to Palestinian uprisings or resistance against Israeli control, and the call to "globalize" it suggests extending the spirit and actions of these uprisings beyond the regional context to a worldwide movement.[1][2] [3]

The slogans and related chants have been a subject of controversy and discussion regarding their impact and implications. The slogan has been criticized by some Jewish groups as inciting violence or terrorism,[4][5][6] with some interpreting it as a rallying cry for harming Jews.[7][8]

Background

The term Intifada (From Arabic: intifāḍa, literally, the act of shaking off[9]), in context of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict refers to major Palestinian uprisings against Israeli control, with the First Intifada occurring between 1987–1993 and the Second Intifada between 2000 and 2005, both involving numerous attacks against Israeli civilians and security forces. The call to "globalize" the Intifada through protests and social media posts is seen by some as an endorsement of these past uprisings and a call for their expansion on a global scale.[2]

Usage

The slogan "Globalize the Intifada" has been used as a chant in various anti-Zionist protests, along with variations such as "There is only one solution, intifada revolution" or "Intifada until victory".[10][2][11][6] It has been used by supporters of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel[12] and against the Israeli actions during the 2023 Hamas–Israel war.[6][13]

According to users of the slogan, the Palestinian intifada was chosen as a rallying cry for resistance against what they see as "colonial violence and oppression".[14]

In October 2023, pro-Palestinian protestors chanted "globalize the intifada" while attempting to forcefully access a library building where Jewish students took refuge in what has been characterized by critics as an antisemitic incident. New York City Mayor Eric Adams responded to the incident, affirming that hate has no place in New York City and emphasizing the right to peaceful protest.[15]

In November 2023, pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime, which supported the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, made a post headlined "Globalize the Intifada" with a map of Israeli and American companies and transit hubs. The post was condemned by elected officials in New York City and by Jewish groups as "a dangerous and abhorrent incitement to violence and poses a direct threat to New York's Jewish communities."[16]

In December 2023, the use of banners utilising the slogan led to the arrest of nine in London under the Public Order Act.[17]

Criticism

Criticism of the slogan comes from various groups and individuals. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) interprets "Globalize the Intifada" as potentially endorsing acts of terrorism and indiscriminate violence against civilians, viewing it as a call for violence against Israelis and possibly Jews worldwide.[18] Nora Berman, deputy opinion editor of The Forward, criticized the slogan as promoting violence rather than peace.[19]

The American Jewish Committee expressed strong concern over the use of the slogan, stating that it should be a cause for alarm. They referenced the First and Second Intifadas, periods marked by significant violence, resulting in the deaths of over 1,300 Israelis, many in suicide bombings targeting public places such as buses, cafés, and malls. The Committee interpreted the slogan as a call for widespread violence.[5][20]

According to The Sunday Telegraph, the phrase has been associated with incitement of violence against Jewish communities.[10] Jewish writers including David Hazony have interpreted the use of the slogan not just as a challenge to Israel but as being a broader declaration of war against Jews or promoting antisemitism.[8][7][21]

Following the 2023 death of Jewish-American Paul Kessler, who was fatally injured during a confrontation at pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian rallies in Ventura County, California, Yair Lapid criticized the glorification of Hamas and calls to "globalize the intifada" at protests, arguing that such actions stem from hatred of Jews rather than support for Palestinians.[22]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Henry, Jacob (April 22, 2022). "Pro-Palestinian protesters call to 'globalize the intifada' in NY march". The Jerusalem Post.
  2. 1 2 3 Jerusalem Post Staff (October 22, 2022). "Mohamed Hadid shares 'Globalize Intifada' message on Instagram". The Jerusalem Post.
  3. ↑ Mary K.Roberson, 'Birth, Transformation, and Death of Refugee Identity: Women and Girls of the Intifada,' in Ellen Cole,Esther D Rothblum,Oliva M Espin (eds.) Refugee Women and Their Mental Health: Shattered Societies, Shattered Lives, Routledge, 2013 p.42.
  4. ↑ "Amid terror wave in Israel, New York BDS group calls to 'globalize intifada' at rally". JNS. March 31, 2022.
  5. 1 2 "Pro-Palestinian NYC Rally Features "Globalize the Intifada" Chants". Jewish Journal. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  6. 1 2 3 Luke Tress (October 25, 2023). "Antisemitic incidents have spiked in New York since Hamas attack on Israel, NYPD says". The Forward.
  7. 1 2 Zev Eleff; Ayal Feinberg (October 13, 2023). "Endorsing Hamas violence isn't just anti-Israel, it's antisemitic". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
  8. 1 2 David Hazony (October–November 2023). "The War Against the Jews". Sapir Journal.
  9. ↑ "Definition of Intifada". Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  10. 1 2 "Anti-semitic row in teachers' union: Discovery of rally video has sparked demands for investigation into secretary who 'incited violence' [edition 2]". The Sunday Telegraph. 2023-04-02. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
  11. ↑ Tress, L. (2022-04-01). "'Intifada until victory': Pro-palestinian demonstrators rally in new york". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
  12. ↑ Matthew Foldi (October 9, 2023). "Pro-Hamas protests sweep the US". The Spectator.
  13. ↑ Breuer, E. (2021). "New York protestors wield Palestinian flags, endorse 'global intifada': Groups including Within Our Lifetime and Occupy Wall Street affiliates marched in New York City on Friday calling to smash the "settler Zionist state" and calling to "globalize the intifada."". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  14. ↑ "Globalize Intifada: Pro-Palestine Protesters March in New York". Palestine Chronicle. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  15. ↑ Ben Clerkin (October 26, 2023). "Jewish students lock themselves in library as protestors march through campus". The Jewish Chronicle.
  16. ↑ Tress, Luke (2023-11-17). "US pro-Palestinian group blasted for map of Jewish groups with 'blood on their hands'". New York Jewish Week. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  17. ↑ Cooney, Christy (2023-12-05). "Nine arrested over pro-Palestinian banner in London". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-12-07.
  18. ↑ "Stop and Think: Anti-Israel Chants and What They Mean". ADL. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  19. ↑ Berman, Nora (April 1, 2022). "Activists are calling to 'globalize the intifada.' It's a call for death, not peace". Forward.
  20. ↑ "Jewish Group Slams New York City Protest Calling to 'Globalize the Intifada'". Algemeiner. August 1, 2021.
  21. ↑ "NYC School Barricades Jewish Students While Activists Call for Blood". LNN News. October 26, 2023.
  22. ↑ Phil Helsel; Todd Miyazawa (November 7, 2023). "Man dies after hitting head at Israel-Palestinian rallies in California, officials say". NBC News.
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