1. Who are we?
We are a joint initiative, starting from a Middle Eastern initiative (MideastYouth.com) and a few Israeli activists, a result of working together and thinking how we can better use the web to network and to make our voices heard.
MideastYouth.com is a grassroots, local, digital network that leverages the power of new media to facilitate our struggles against oppression in the Middle East and North Africa (see a list of projects here).
We’re driven by our passion for civil engagement, freedom of speech, and employing innovative solutions to pervasive and persistent human problems. A special thanks goes to the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School for their award which has made this and many of our other initiatives possible.
2. Why the name?
We chose this name because this initiative aims to get attention to people in Israel opposing oppression and to their work. We sincerely hope the name will not deter people that do not want to call themselves Israeli (for any reason) from joining the initiative- it was chosen purely for the sake of creating attention to our cause.
When we use Israeli we do not mean it as synonymous to Jews-in-Israel. We want to include Jews and Palestinians working for Palestinian rights. It is not meant to exclude anyone- rather the opposite.
3. What does this initiative offer? And why is it needed?
This initiative is the result of the understanding of the power the web offers us today in the way of getting our ideas and work known. In a world governed by multinational communications corporations, there is huge potential to get information rejected by mainstream media to others. For those whose voice cannot be heard on the mainstream media this is essential.
But as activists, who has time to work on the infrastructure needed to harness this potential? And even if some organizations (and individuals) do, we stay separated and our influence small.
This space aims to offer an answer to two needs:
We have a section in our site dedicated to the different organizations active in the field. In it there will be a description of the kind of work done, interviews with activists, videos of activities, and links to related post.
We offer a place to share your experiences and thoughts. The web is full of people offering their political analysis, but only heard by people who already agree with them. We believe that by sharing the things we see feel and experience in first person, the connections we make, the “obvious” things we question, we have more chance of raising some question marks, and hopefully, when right next to the organizations section, get people to see if they can take part in opposing the oppression.
4. How can I help?
First: Stay updated. Leave comments. React.
Second: Spread the word. Use your e-mail, social network, Twitter, to let people know about us.
Third: If you want to share your own experience or feelings about the Occupation and its effects on Israelis and Palestinians – contact us. We will find the way we can help you be heard.
