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Total number of comments: 8 (since 2011-09-27 13:40:02)

Sasha Gelzin

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  • Scott Roth joins Mondoweiss as publisher
    • Sasha Gelzin December 6, 2012 at 3:56 pm

      With only three people at the helm, genuine diversity is difficult to achieve. But it would be very disappointing indeed if as Mondoweiss continues to grow, the make-up of the leadership replicates the very institutions this website sets out to challenge.

    • Sasha Gelzin December 6, 2012 at 3:42 pm

      Not just ashkenazi jews, but all male ashkenazi jews... something entirely left out of Phil & Adam's acknowledgement of the lack of diversity...

  • On crossing cultures as a western visitor to Palestine
    • Sasha Gelzin November 29, 2012 at 2:26 pm with 4 replies

      With all due respect, this post barely scratches the surface and sets a dangerous precedent for future generations of solidarity activists.

      The work of confronting the deep-seated racism and orientalism instilled in us by society is not nearly as painless as Pamela describes. It is not about recognizing Palestinians are humans and like us enjoy eating food and smiling at babies (ps this is a deeply problematic, orientalist paradigm that either infantilizes Palestinians as a people who do not understand the gravity of their circumstances or marginalizes justifiable anger).

      The space where we as witnesses, activists and organizers begin to confront our own racism and prejudice (some call this “the growing edge”) is a DEEPLY uncomfortable place. When I first confronted my own orientalism, in a moment that was significantly less public than Jodi Rudoren's, I fought hard against accepting that I am a settler, I am a racist, and I am an orientalist. Because who wants to acknowledge that they benefit from a system of oppression, and that they are complicit in it? Yet that is where our assumptions are challenged, this is where we learn, and where our ideas evolve.

      It is also important to recognize that confronting orientialism, and all other forms of oppression, is an ongoing process for all of us because systems of oppression are an ongoing process.

      We are never done with the work of anti-oppression.

  • Standing up for equality at the 'Equality Forum' celebration of Israel
  • Majd Kayyal on Gaza flotilla: I'm sailing to Gaza because the Palestinian cause is part of the global struggle against racism
    • Sasha Gelzin November 3, 2011 at 10:23 am with 2 replies

      The colonialism Majd is referring to is the Israeli colonization of historically Palestinian lands.

      You are correct in separating the condemnation of colonialism and racism globally (which implies that the movement doesn't have a specific target but rather condemns the principles and general practice) and the way he phrased this thought -- as a global condemnation of colonialism/racism in the context of Palestine.

      Naturally the people who partake in actions to show solidarity with Palestinians or challenge Israeli policies are focusing on condemning Jewish racism, otherwise they would be fairly ineffective in terms of the Palestinian movement for justice.

      However, many are committed to other groups in the social justice movement and do condemn other forms of colonialism/racism.

  • Palestine in Oakland-- Scott Olsen and Tristan Anderson
    • Sasha Gelzin October 28, 2011 at 6:05 pm

      The Israeli authorities have denied Tristan a fair criminal trial, as Alex mentioned the declaration of Tristan's shooting as an "Act of War" is a way to skirt responsibility and the authorities were able to use this pretense because of laws that were written during the first intifada to avoid being prosecuted for the death and injury of Palestinian protestors.

      In only a few weeks the civil trial for Tristan against the State begins, and I am anxious to see what information will be discovered ( since the State will be forced to reveal new information to some extent through the testimonies of involved Israeli border police)

  • In Gaza, fishermen are under constant attack for trying to make a living
    • Sasha Gelzin September 29, 2011 at 7:06 pm

      There is a marked difference between border patrol and incursions. This cannot apply to every situation besides the sea of Gaza. Israeli naval boats do not just hang out at the 3 nm, patrolling, but make regular ventures inside, shooting with water cannons and live ammunition.

      The Dahiya Doctrine was followed during Cast Lead, with Israeli generals proudly proclaiming they intended to use disproportionate force on Gaza. The Dahiya Doctine can reasonably be identified as a key policy of the Israeli military echelons. What limits this collective punishment to times when there is no "war" ?

      "We will wield disproportionate power against every village from which shots are fired on Israel, and cause immense damage and destruction. From our perspective, these are military bases," he said. "This isn't a suggestion. This is a plan that has already been authorized." See Ha'aretz ( link to haaretz.com )

  • Although attention is focused on New York, the real struggle for Palestinian rights is playing out on the ground
    • Sasha Gelzin September 27, 2011 at 9:57 pm with 1 replies

      Thanks John for posting Bassem's address to the court. Bassem wasn't even allowed to read the statement in full to the judge.

      Meanwhile Abbas is the main puppet in Statehood theater at the UN

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