Renowned Israeli historian Ilan Pappé, Human Rights Lawyer Lamis Deek, and UK-based Activist Matt Kennard deep dive into the inevitable decline of Zionism, the historical influence of Hasbara and call for a strategic dismantling of corruption for the sake of humanity at the recent Islam Channel’s Global Peace and Unity Festival held at Excel London, UK this month.
At a recent panel discussion titled Discursive Wars at the GPU Festival in London, Activist Matt Kennard argues that the Israel lobby, once powerful in silencing critics, is now seen as weak and indefensible. The past year’s exposure of the Israeli Government’s atrocities committed in Palestine and Lebanon is leading to a terminal phase for Zionism, especially as newer generations become more aware of its grim realities.
This shift in public perception, with more people realizing AIPAC’s influence on politics and the outrage this provokes, suggests that there is hope for change.
“The PR industry around Zionism, which has had billions of pounds poured into it for many, many decades, has all been about obscuring the truth about what Zionism is, settler colonial ideology. This is based on supremacism of one race over another to the expulsion and subjugation of the indigenous people. Zionist lobbies have tried to present Israel as a progressive force, as a place of safety for Jewish people who have been historically persecuted. Hasbara has been quite successful in pushing this narrative, however, the past year has completely destroyed its propaganda machine. There is a realization, particularly among young people, when they get older and they come into government positions, and fill up civil society, Zionist ideology will have no place in the halls of power. Zionism is in its terminal phase and we should all be very thankful for that, because it is a monstrosity,” says Kennard.
Kennard recounts his own experiences as a journalist, noting that the pushback he once faced has significantly diminished. He explains that the Israel lobby traditionally operated through three main tactics: secrecy, smear campaigns, and projecting an image of omnipotence. By keeping their funding sources hidden, launching smear campaigns against critics, and projecting an image of invincibility, the lobby had managed to maintain its influence. However, as these tactics are exposed and challenged, the lobby’s power is waning.
“Before October 7, Journalists who tried to shed light on the apartheid were massively marginalized and called pranks. But I have to say, in the past year, I hardly get any pushback on Israel. In fact, we realize that the Israeli lobby is a paper tiger that shrivels under sunlight. They operate through secrecy. They don’t disclose who funds them. If you start exposing them, they struggle, because they know what they’re doing is indefensible. They are hijacking a political system to make it support genocide and apartheid and everyone can see that now. This awakening has practical consequences. Citizens understand that this is a massive attack on our democracy in the UK and the USA too. Most people believed that we have a sovereign country where we have a government that acts in our interests. When they start realizing actually, no, they’re making decisions based on the preferences of a foreign apartheid state, they are outraged. But, we are hopeful in these horrendous times. There is hope among all the horror,” says Kennard.
US Based Human Rights Lawyer Lamis Deek agrees that change is coming. She emphasizes the urgent need to transition from ideological and discursive battles to concrete action.
Deek calls for a comprehensive strategy that includes dismantling and developing new structures, de-radicalizing Zionist mythology, and the prosecution of all accountable parties.
“We cannot be passive. We must de-radicalize and disincentivize Zionist mythology and hold everybody accountable. Never again is not a feeling. Sorry. Never again is the program. We want to build a global army of people who are dedicated to turning never again into an institution, into legal and media campaigns, research and investigation of war criminals. This is needed. I’m not speaking in abstractions. We must dismantle institutions of fascism that threatens our collective humanity,” says Deek.
Deek acknowledges the immense fatigue felt by Palestinians and their allies, who often face significant challenges and opposition. She emphasizes the need for solidarity and support, urging more people to join the cause and contribute to the collective effort. This, she believes, is essential for sustaining the momentum and achieving lasting change… to read more click here.
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