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Gush Shalom (Hebrew: גוש שלום, "the Peace Bloc")
is a radical left group which sees itself as the hardcore of Israeli peace movement. Gush Shalom is an extra-parliamentary organization, independent of any party or other political grouping. Some of its activists do belong to political parties, but the Gush is not aligned to any particular party. The Gush is lead by Uri Avnery, and to many Gush Shalom and Uri Avnery are synonymous.
The movement was established in 1993, by Uri Avnery, as he was disappointed by other Israeli peace movements such as Peace Now, which were not radical enough for his taste.
Often described as "resolute", "militant", "radical" or "consistent", it is known for its unwavering stand in times of crisis, such as the al-Aqsa Intifada. Some call this "persistence" while other see this as "blindness" and "denial".
Gush Shalom objects the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and claims Israel is committing War Crimes on a daily basis. The movement supports soldier's refusal to serve in the occupied territories, Palestinian Right of return, and an Israeli withdrawal to the Green Line. Gush Shalom activists regularly confront Israeli security forces in construction sites in Settlements and along the Separation Barrier.
Gush Shalom is a radical leftist movement, and its classification as a peace movement is disputed. Uri Avnery, the Gush Shalom leader and a former journalist, was among the first to meet and negotiate with PLO leader Yasser Arafat. Although Gush Shalom earned itself respect in Europe, it is regarded by some Israelis as a pro-Palestinian movement who supports violence and terrorism against Israelis.
External links
- Controversial articles (in Hebrew)
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