The Electronic Intifada

Book review: Victor Kattan's legal history of the colonization of Palestine

Mazen Masri 19 June 2010


In order to understand how the law works, one needs to situate it in its political and historical context, otherwise it loses its relevance. That’s what Victor Kattan’s new book From Coexistence to Conquest does. It is a novel attempt to examine the legal history of the Israeli-Arab conflict, describing law as one factor among many that shaped the development of events. Mazen Masri reviews. 

International organizations renew condemnation of Gaza siege

Nora Barrows-Friedman 17 June 2010


Since the 31 May attack on the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla, during which Israeli naval commandos boarded the Mavi Marmara ship in international waters and killed nine unarmed activists, international organizations and several governments have condemned Israel for its actions at high sea. Nora Barrows-Friedman reports for The Electronic Intifada. 

Ahava campaign comes to court

Adri Nieuwhof 17 June 2010


In France, the campaign to boycott Ahava Dead Sea cosmetics has entered a new phase with boycott, divestment and sanctions advocates taking legal action against the Sephora cosmetics retail chain’s contract with the company. Adri Nieuwhof reports for The Electronic Intifada. 

Independent journalists dismantling Israel's hold on media narrative

Abraham Greenhouse and Nora Barrows-Friedman 15 June 2010


Within hours of the Gaza-bound aid flotilla being intercepted and besieged in international waters by Israeli commandos, news of the bloody attack had spread across the globe. Rage, condemnation and calls for an international investigation followed. Meanwhile, Israel’s campaign to spin the attack, distort the facts and quell an outraged public was already in full swing. Abraham Greenhouse and Nora Barrows-Friedman analyze for The Electronic Intifada. 

Cherien Dabis' journey to "Amreeka"

Jimmy Johnson 15 June 2010


Why migrate? What do you leave when you do? What’s waiting for you? How do you bring the social construct of “home” with you? Or replace it? And in a collection of such heavy questions, where is there room for marijuana jokes? Director Cherien Dabis’ award-winning feature-length debut Amreeka investigates all of these and much more in an hour and a half of marvelous cinema. Jimmy Johnson writes for The Electronic Intifada. 

Jewish challenges to Zionism on the rise in the US

Gabriel Ash, Emily Katz Kashawi, Mich Levy and Sara Kershnar 14 June 2010


In June 2010, two opposite ends of the Jewish political spectrum will vie for one historical moment. As Israel and the Zionist movement struggle to maintain their century-long pull on Jewish minds, a new project is emerging to rechart the course away from Zionism and toward embracing a renewed commitment to a shared humanity. 

Activists disrupt Caterpillar shareholder meeting

Kristin Szremski Chicago 11 June 2010


While pro-Palestinian activists and supporters of Israel lined opposite sides of South LaSalle Street outside the Northern Trust Building in Chicago on 9 June, James Owens, the outgoing CEO and Chairman of Caterpillar Inc., told a room full of shareholders the company was not responsible for the way Israel uses the bulldozers the company manufactures in the United States. Kristin Szremski reports for The Electronic Intifada.