Israel's Black Panthers: The Radicals Who Punctured a Nation's Founding Myth

The Black Panthers of Israel was an activist movement that challenged the racial inequities of Israel in the 1970s, inspired by the American group of the same name. They protested and campaigned for the rights of Mizrahim, Jews of Middle Eastern ancestry, managing to rattle the country's establishment and change the course of Israel's history. This book explores the parallels between the Israeli and American Black Panthers and reflects on the role that Mizrahim can play in the future of Israel.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 19 March 2024
Publisher: University of California Press

The powerful story of an activist movement that challenged the racial inequities of Israel is presented in the following paragraphs:
Israel's Black Panthers tells the story of the young and impoverished Moroccan Israeli Jews who challenged their country's political status quo and rebelled against the ethnic hierarchy of Israeli life in the 1970s. Inspired by the American group of the same name, the Black Panthers mounted protests and a yearslong political campaign for the rights of Mizrahim, or Jews of Middle Eastern ancestry. They managed to rattle the country's establishment and change the course of Israel's history through the mass mobilization of a Jewish underclass.

This book draws on archival documents and interviews with elderly activists to capture the movement's history and reveal little-known stories from within the group. Asaf Elia-Shalev explores the parallels between the Israeli and American Black Panthers, offering a unique perspective on the global struggle against racism and oppression. In twenty short and captivating chapters, Israel's Black Panthers provides a textured and novel account of the movement and reflects on the role that Mizrahim can play in the future of Israel.

The Black Panthers in Israel emerged as a response to the systemic discrimination faced by Mizrahim, or Jews of Middle Eastern ancestry, in the country. Despite their contributions to Israel's defense and economic development, Mizrahim were often marginalized and excluded from mainstream political and social institutions. The movement's founders, including Asaf Elia-Shalev, saw the Black Panther movement as a model for challenging racial inequality and advocating for social justice.

The Black Panthers in Israel adopted a multifaceted approach to their activism. They organized protests, marches, and sit-ins to draw attention to their cause and demand equality for Mizrahim. They also engaged in political lobbying and worked to elect Mizrahim to public office. The movement also provided social services, such as food banks and health clinics, to support Mizrahim who were struggling to make ends meet.

One of the key achievements of the Black Panthers in Israel was their ability to mobilize a Jewish underclass that had been largely ignored by the country's establishment. The movement's message resonated with many young Jews who felt disenfranchised and marginalized by the Israeli system. They saw the Black Panthers as a symbol of resistance and hope for a better future.

The Black Panthers in Israel also faced significant challenges and opposition from the Israeli government and mainstream society. The movement was often labeled as radical and dangerous, and its members were subjected to police brutality and surveillance. Despite these obstacles, the Black Panthers continued to press for their rights and advocate for social justice.

In conclusion, Israel's Black Panthers is a powerful and inspiring story of an activist movement that challenged the racial inequities of Israel. The movement's founders saw the Black Panther movement as a model for challenging racial inequality and advocating for social justice. Through their protests, marches, and political campaigns, the Black Panthers managed to mobilize a Jewish underclass and rattle the country's establishment. Despite facing significant challenges and opposition, the Black Panthers continued to press for their rights and advocate for social justice. This book provides a valuable insight into the history and legacy of the Black Panthers in Israel and highlights the importance of continuing to fight for equality and social justice in all societies.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520294318