Civil Society Under Pressure – Shrinking – Closing – No space Published: 17 December 2015 NGOs are currently facing growing problems worldwide - and not only in non-democratic states. Governments increasingly target NGOs that work in the field of Human Rights, Justice, Democracy and Social and Environmental Rights. Barbara Unmuessig, president of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, explores in her landmark article the shrinking space for NGOS, which to some degree, threatens to affect our work in Palestine too. By Barbara Unmüßig
Strangling the Palestinian Economy Published: 24 November 2015 Dead Sea cosmetics, Jordan valley dates and peppers from the northern Westbank – these Israeli products sell well in Europe. But as they are produced in illegal settlements in the occupied Westbank the EU has decided to put a label on them. Consumers can now decide whether they want to buy them or not. Critics suggest that this could impair Palestinian workers earning a living in Israeli settlements. Palestinian researcher Nur Arafeh, a partner of Heinrich-Boell-Foundation in Ramallah, disputes this thesis. Her article was first published on Le Monde Diplomatique.
Struggling nonviolently for Human Rights in Palestine: Youth Against Settlements from Hebron on Tour in Germany Published: 31 May 2015 By Thimna Bunte: In March 2015 the Heinrich-Boell-Foundation joined support for a speaking tour during the week of the “Open Shuhada Street” campaign Since 1994, the formerly flourishing Shuhada Street in Hebron’s historic centre is turned increasingly into a ghost street. It became a symbol for Israel’s policy of Human Rights violations and segregation in the occupied Palestinian territories. In this situation, Youth Against Settlements (YAS) advocates in nonviolent ways for Human Rights and equality in Hebron. One of the cornerstones of their work consists of the “Open Shuhada Street” campaign that takes place each year in February. Abed Salayma, activist of Youth Against Settlements, and Mufid Sharabati, resident of Shuhada Street, traveled to Germany this February in order to carry out a Speaking Tour (or, as the group calls it, a “SpeAction tour” as it involves some elements other than speaking as well). They talked about the Human Rights situation in Hebron, their approach of nonviolent resistance and what people in Germany can do to support their cause.
After the election in Israel - Palestine's hope in Netanyahu - By Dr. René Wildangel Published: 8 April 2015 While many in Israel were hoping for Netanyahu's electoral defeat, Palestinians were more reserved. They now expect the international community to exert more pressure on Israel..
How we are permanently destroying Gaza Published: 5 January 2015 Article by Michelle Pace & René Wildangel Without radical policy change new violence will erupt in 2015 and Gaza will become unlivable. Meanwhile Israel is relieved of any responsibility as an occupying power under international law for the UN’s Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism.
Perspectives Issue #7 - November 2014 Published: 18 November 2014 Rumour has it ... the new Perspectives is out! They are only 'hot air' but anyone who has been affected by rumours is familiar with their unhallowed dynamics, and the serious consequences they can entail. Rumours fulfil social functions. They serve as a medium through which unfulfilled hopes or unspecific fears can be voiced. They bond and drive a wedge between people and population groups at the same time. They can destroy reputations, credibility and even lives. Read here twelve experts from the MENA region discussing the topic!
Déjà vu in Gaza - By Dr. Dr. René Wildangel & Dr. Muriel Asseburg Published: 20 August 2014 For months, there has been an intense debate about whether Germany should assume greater foreign policy responsibility. Yet when it came to the conflict in Gaza, Germany's politicians have once again slipped into the role of the horrified bystander.
A Durable Ceasefire for Gaza Published: 5 August 2014 For a sustainable ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the blockade of Gaza must be lifted. After several failed mediation attempts, the war in Gaza has continued to escalate. Israel has widened its military operations and targeted leaders, rocket bases and tunnels of Hamas and other militant groups, in a bid to destroy their infrastructure and bring them to their knees. Hamas, in turn, has employed the whole of its arsenal to demonstrate steadfastness and improve its own position, both domestically and regionally. By Dr. Muriel Asseburg
The punishment of Palestinian citizens - By Dr. René Wildangel Published: 5 August 2014 Israel's heavy-handed acts of retaliation against both Hamas and Palestinian civilians are threatening to provoke a new escalation of violence. The Israeli military deployment in the West Bank is the biggest since the end of the second Intifada in 2005. A commentary by Dr. René Wildangel - hbs Palestine- Jordan office director.
No Alternative to Palestinian Unity - By Dr. René Wildangel Published: 4 June 2014 Hamas and Fatah have sealed an agreement and a new technocrat government has been formed. Reconciliation remains complicated and needs more players on board than the two major parties. The danger of failure is great. It is for precisely this reason that the US and Europe should actively support this process writes hbs Palestine- Jordan office director René Wildangel.