Rethink 2014: Tweeting Against International Hate Week

Rethink2014 is a clever movement to oppose Israel Apartheid Week (IAW) on Twitter.  Specifically, the group’s Twitter feed last week consisted of photos of young people holding up signs that explain why they are against the annual anti-Israel hate week which is put on in different parts of the world throughout the months of February in March. The group’s Twitter site explains, “Students challenging the apartheid smear and bringing the real Israel to you.  Don’t believe the hype….  Re-educate.  Re-assess.  Rethink.”  Some of the best are presented in this YouTube video.

Rethink2014 Anti-SemitismThese photos, collected on the Rethink2014 Facebook page, reflect the variety of reasons for resisting IAW.  Some student statements are personal and emotional, although they express very different perspectives:

  • I love Israel.
  • Although I am not Israels [sic] biggest supporter, this week singles out the Jewish state and once again chooses to ignore the human rights violations of surrounding Arab states.
  • Someone needs to stand up for Israel’s right to exist.

Many statements focus on the dishonesty of the IAW campaign or the need for genuine education as opposed to propaganda:

  • It is an ignorant, unhelpful campaign.
  • A week is too long to devote to a lie.
  • It ignores Israel’s security needs to promote a one-sided story.
  • Calling Israel an Apartheid state is inaccurate and insulting.
  • Racial supremacy does not exist in Israel.
  • It can wrongly influence those people that are undecided
  • People shouldn’t be bullied into a biased, untrue belief.
  • Let’s educate others not just on the definition but on the reasons why Israel isn’t an apartheid. Let’s strive to educate and learn!

Rethink2014 EqualityOthers offer specific reasons why the comparison between Israel and South Africa makes little sense, including the rights that Palestinians enjoy in Israel but may be denied elsewhere throughout the Middle East:

  • Israel is the only country in the Middle-East where a Palestinian can criticise the government.
  • Arabs in Israel have democratic rights and are represented in the Knesset.
  • Israel has universal suffrage, unlike its neighbours.
  • Muslims have freedom of religion in Israel.
  • I see more of a rainbow nation in Jerusalem’s streets than in London.
  • I, a former South African living in Israel, have proudly voted alongside Arab citizens in the last Israeli election.
  • I interact with Arabs on daily basis. This would not be possible under Apartheid.
  • I see more of a rainbow nation in Jerusalem’s streets than in London.
  • Otherwise a Muslim would not be able to work in the Israel Embassy in London.

Rethink2014 Muslim PrayerStill others argue that it is based on anti-Semitism, hatred, and double standards:

  • It promotes anti-Semitism.
  • I’m tired of socially acceptable Anti-Semitism.
  • It represents a double standard.
  • Its used by the bigotry of racists who “don’t debate with Israelis”.
  • Instead of bashing a nation that they hate, they should be promoting a nation that they love.
  • Its only outcome is hate, bias and misinformation.
  • Spreading hate and propaganda on campus will do no good for anyone.

Rethink2014 Rainbow nationA great number of students argue that the IAW defamation undermines peace in the Middle East and constructive dialogue throughout the world:

  • It inhibits peace.
  • I believe in peace but spreading senseless hatred is not the way to get there.
  • It represents double standards for peace.
  • The extremism of the term “Apartheid” hinders interfaith relations and open discussions on campus.
  • It exacerbates conflict and division.
  • Shalom and Salaam have the same origin.
  • There are two national historical narratives and we should all learn the other side.
  • Hate and misinformation will not lead to peace.
  • Hatred does not lead to peace.
  • Rethink2014 Shalom and salaamIt creates more hatred and division.
  • Lies and hate will not create peace.
  • Israel should be at peace.
  • If students choose demonisation over constructive dialogue, how can we expect Abbas and Netanyahu to do any better?

According to the group’s Facebook page, the Rethink2014 movement garnered 4000 likes and have reached hundreds of thousands of people.  Kudos to the clever activists who turned a hateful activity into a moment for reflection.