The Electronic Intifada

The case of Fareg Ibrahim: symptomatic of a slow process of ethnic cleansing

Shamai Leibowitz 14 April 2003


Almost a year ago, in May 2002, the Israeli Minister of Interior decided to deport Fareg Ibrahim, an Arab-Egyptian married to an Arab-Israeli woman, and father to a two-month-old baby, Camela. Since June 2002, Mr. Ibrahim has been held in custody, without being accused of any crime. has been held in custody, without being accused of any crime. The Tel Aviv District Court denied his requests to be released on bail. Usually, foreign residents, are interrogated and released on bail. However, Israeli judges decided to keep him in detention. 

On its second anniversary, the Electronic Intifada looks ahead

The Electronic Intifada 27 February 2003


Above: The Electronic Intifada team “These are crucial days, days that will determine the trajectory of the Middle East’s future in profound ways. More than regimes will be changed in the coming months. Life chances of the region’s most vulnerable—women, children, and the elderly—will certainly change for the worse. We, in response, must change our tactics and increase our efforts to safeguard human rights and uphold international law. EI and affiliated websites will be part of that change.” As EI marks its second anniversary, its founders look back at past successes, but mostly ahead at pressing challenges. 

"The news from Palestine is so bad, it makes me want to be there"

Nick Pretzlik London, United Kingdom 25 February 2003

“Seasoned with announcements of house demolitions and human rights abuses, the news is doubly hard to read from London. I know from my experience in Palestine that reports which reach the media represent only the tip of the iceberg of catastrophes visited on the Palestinians. It was easier for me by far to be on the spot, to be immersed in events.” Nick Pretzlik reflects on his recent visit to Palestine and the steadfastness of those living under occupation. 

Bedouins of the Negev: Israeli ctizens or punishable trespassers?

Maha Qupty 18 February 2003

Bedouins are famous for their generosity. It is well known that Bedouins will graciously host strangers for days without asking their name, the reason for their visit, or the length of their stay. Today, Bedouins of the Negev, who have experienced 50 years of systematic human rights abuses, threats of transfer, land confiscations, and house demolitions, are facing renewed pressures from discriminatory planning maps and Israel’s Green Patrol — which Bedouins call the “Black Patrol.” A community many had forgotten is growing angrier and more vocal. Maha Qupty reports on the challenges confronting Bedouin Palestinian citizens of Israel. 

Putting Sharon on Trial: Why Belgium is doing the right thing

Ali Abunimah 14 February 2003


WANTED FOR WAR CRIMES The decision of the Belgian Supreme Court that Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon can stand trial under that country’s “universal jurisdiction” law for war crimes, once he is no longer in office, has caused a storm of outrage in Israel. The case was brought by survivors of the 1982 massacre of thousands of unarmed Palestinian refugees in Israeli-occupied Beirut, carried out by Israeli-armed and trained gangs, under Israeli army protection, and in which Sharon is deeply and personally implicated. EI’s Ali Abunimah responds to the arguments of those who say Belgium has no right to do this, and who seek continued impunity for war criminals. 

Famous comedian Jackie Mason incites genocide of Palestinians

Ali Abunimah and Nigel Parry 6 February 2003


World-renowned American stand-up comedian Jackie Mason has published an astonishing demand that Israel threaten the Palestinian people with genocide. Mason and co-author Raoul Felder wrote: “We have paralyzed ourselves by our sickening fear of World Opinion, which is why we find it impossible to face one simple fact: We will never win this war unless we immediately threaten to drive every Arab out of Israel if the killing doesn’t stop”. EI calls on activists to respond.