Gili – Together We Declared That “Occupation is Not Our Judaism”

The impacts of the Occupation are daily and diverse, and our response was daily and diverse: building relationships of solidarity, networks of support, and real material gains.

Three years ago today – on Friday May 19, 2017 – we joined with a historic coalition of Palestinians, Israelis and diaspora Jews to launch the Sumud: Freedom Camp. Over 300 of us came together that day to launch an encampment in the South Hebron Hills and reestablish the Palestinian village of Sarura which had been evacuated due to settler and military harassment. We are endlessly inspired and proud to say that Sarura continues to be a central hub of resistance in the region.

The launch of Sumud: Freedom Camp was the climax of an unprecedented 130-person delegation of Jewish justice seekers who came together to mark 50 years since 1967 with groundbreaking resistance to the Occupation.

In honor and celebration of that delegation, Gili Getz compiled a collection of powerful and memorable photos from that experience (all photos below credited to Gili Getz, unless noted otherwise).

“The Occupation is ever-present and impacts communities and individuals in every corner of their lives and in every interaction. The impacts are daily and diverse, and our response was daily and diverse: building relationships of solidarity, networks of support, and real material gains across the West Bank and East Jerusalem…together we declared that ‘Occupation is not our Judaism,’ strategically using our Jewish privilege and big numbers to challenge the Occupation with every step.” – Gili Getz

Waking up to walk to Sarura and launch Sumud: Freedom Camp

On our way to Sarura

Entering the site of what became Sumud: Freedom Camp

Welcoming the group – Palestinians, Israelis, and diaspora Jews – to Sumud: Freedom Camp

Surveying the work plan for the encampment

Setting up the large communal tent in Sarura

Dancing while we work

Settlers from the nearby illegal outpost come to the site

Friday evening Shabbos prayer in Sumud: Freedom Camp

Hanging out in the communal tent on Saturday

Gathering water to lay cement in the cave in Sarura

Entrance to one of the cave-dwellings

Saturday night Havdallah prayers and singing, hours before the army violently raids the camp

The Israeli army arrives and confiscates our tents, generator and supplies (photo credit: Ethan Miller)

Part of the group evacuating to avoid confrontation with the army. The next day the group rebuilds, shifting our attention to rehabilitating the cave dwellings.