Queeruption 2006 FAQs
FAQs
- Why
Israel?
- Why not boycott Queeruption Tel-Aviv?
- Why Tel-Aviv?
- Why not to join the boycott of the World Pride?
- How do I get to Israel?
- What should I do if I want to come to Queeruption but I don't have the money for it?
- What kind of problems can I face entering Israel?
- What can I do in the region before or after the Queeruption?
- How are queers treated in Israel?
- How are Queers treated in Palestine?
- What other major differences exist between Israel and Palestine?
- What about terrorist attacks?
- What about police and army brutality?
- What about other problems in Israel?
- What is DIY?
- What is Queer?
- What How can I help right now?
Why Israel?
All Queeruption gatherings until today have respected the wishes of host groups to hold the gathering in their city. We in Israel, as a small but determined anrcho-gender-queer community, are eager to host the event here. We know we have a lot to learn from the experience of others in the world, and have much experience of our own that we would like to share.
This wish is supported by the sentiment expressed in the last Queeruption in Barcelona, that gatherings are becoming less political and more an opportunity for partying, a trend which was disappointing to some. We feel the decision to hold Queeruption away from large and established queer communities is a strong political statement, and will enable a new adventure from which we can all learn some new things.
World Pride 2006 in Jerusalem
We feel that the World Pride event, which will take place in August (6-12) 2006 in Jerusalem, is a great opportunity for us to raise our voice in this region and in the whole world, showing the growing resistance to homophobia and racism. The stabbing of 3 marchers during the last gay parade in Jerusalem by an ultra orthodox Jew, as well as the ongoing occupation and war crimes of the Israeli state that are continuing after the so-called disengagement from the Gaza strip – are both evidence of the urgent need for this resistance to take place in our region.
Why not boycott Queeruption Tel-Aviv?
We are aware of the fact that for some people Israel, as a state that uses apartheid methods, is a target for boycott. We respect people's decision to boycott. In fact, some of us support the campaign for boycotting Israeli goods and Israeli academic figures. Others among us believe boycotting Israel while both the UK and the US are themselves illegally occupying Iraq, and employing repressive methods in their war against terror, is a little hypocritical. But we all agree that visiting here can give people more information and a more rounded argument against Israel’s colonialism.
The Debate
Our motivation for holding queeruption in Israel this year was partly a result of the intense debate that happened around the World Pride plans. Some anti-occupation groups and individuals argued that World Pride should be boycotted since Israel is an occupier state, and presenting Israel as a tolerant, liberal country will support its image as "the only democracy in the Middle East" and will help to strengthen this propaganda. Others thought that having such a large scale event in Israel that deals with the issue of human rights could be a wonderful opportunity for us to raise all kinds of other human rights issues, especially the occupation, but also other inner Israeli social issues such as the growing right-wing, neo-liberal economic system, the brutal exploitation of migrant workes, the huge scale of the traffic in women, etc. These issues are all local but are relevant to all western societies that are experiencing right-wing governments, racism towards immigrants, and an anti-islamic wave.
This is why we think that having Queeruption in Israel, especially during these times, can serve as an opportunity to develop alternative ways of thinking and anti-oppressive principles, in contrast to Israeli authoritarian culture, and also as a platform for engaging in a deep, queer, deconstructive debate about all these issues.
No Pride in the Occupation
As people who live in Israel we do not have the privilege of boycotting it. Unfortunately, right now in order to fight the occupation and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle, there are not a lot of options to avoid spending time and money in the occupier state.
We know the complexity and diversity of Israeli society, and our struggle against the occupation is influenced by our radical queer analysis. We oppose the symptoms (the wall, the Israeli army, the checkpoints…), while at the same time trying to create a different society, a colorful, diverse, anti-oppressive, anti-racist society. We would be very happy to do this together.
Why Tel-Aviv?
Tel-Aviv is the second largest city in Israel. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, connected at its south end to the Arab-Jewish town Jaffa and is 50 kilometers away from Jerusalem (the state's capital). It is Israel’s major metropolitan area, populated by over a million people.
As the largest and most important secular city in Israel (only 40% of Jewish Israelis consider themselves secular), Tel-Aviv attracts to it many young people, party people, stoners, artists and many queers of different varieties. The LGBT scene in Tel-Aviv is the biggest in Israel. That’s why it is almost the only place in Israel where a group of political queers could have developed. It is also the preferred meeting and organization point for the Israeli radical left and anarchist activists.
Social change
In regard to political activism there is a lot to learn about and a lot to do in Tel-Aviv: the treatment of Palestinian Israeli citizens (residents of Jaffa), the economical gap between the rich north and poor south neighborhoods (as a result of neo-liberalization/ globalization, in spite of Israel's socialist roots), the treatment of migrant workers, the discrimination against Sephardi Jews (who immigrated from Arab countries to Israel and are therefore considered “Arab Jews” by some) by the state's founders, mostly Ashkenazi Jews (who immigrated to Israel from Europe) and the situation of sex workers and the sex industry in the city.
Geography and Weather of Tel-aviv
The city sits on a long beach strip which is free and open to the public year round. There’s lots of sunshine! It does get very hot and humid in the city during the summer months; many find it unbearable to stay outside during the day, fleeing either to the shade, air-conditioning or the beach. But as a result the city is very alive and vibrant at night.
Food for thought
There are cheap open-air markets that sell food, clothes, jewelry, Middle Eastern stuff, and various knick knacks. Although Tel-Aviv isn’t cheap everywhere, it is possible to always find cheap solutions for most everything there.
Vegans won’t have a problem there either, as most supermarkets have a variety of dairy free - meat free items in addition to good quality fresh fruits and vegetables. Also almost every street corner has a Falafel stand selling cheap tasty falafel and humus sandwiches which usually include unlimited access to salads. In the city center is located Salon Mazal, an anarchist info shop that also has a bar and vegan cafe'. There you can find out what’s going on, and meet other anarchists, queers and different activists
The War and Tel-Aviv
Tel-Aviv seems to be the Israeli city least affected by the war. Even so, you will still have your bags lightly searched by a security guard and possibly be asked a few questions at the entrance of almost everything today, from malls to museums, cafes, restaurants, schools, train and bus stations, etc. Although you are not required by law to obey them, it would be virtually impossible to enter without passing a security check. These guards are not police, most of them are usually minimum wage slaves who would probably rather be doing something else.
More on the history and life in Tel Aviv: wikipedia: Tel Aviv
Why not to join the boycott of World Pride?
World Pride will take place in Jerusalem at the time of the Queeruption gathering, and is organized by the Homo-Lesbian Center of Jerusalem - the Jerusalem Open House. The organizers of the event are trying to give it a bit of a political character, not too radical though. The Open House is a meeting place for Jews (including few orthodox Jews) and for a few Palestinians. The World Pride Parade is symbolically against the fences and walls that are splitting the sexual, religious, national and ethnic different communities of Jerusalem.
The organizers of the Parade cooperate with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism, in order to bring many tourists to Israel on the occasion of the World Pride. People in Europe and the US may have encountered the World Pride invitation presenting Israel as a liberal and tolerant paradise (“it is great being a gay soldier in the Israeli army!”) situated in the Arabic homophobic, fanatic, fundamentalist Middle East. This kind of campaign is absolutely the worst reason for participating in such a parade, but what can be nicer than participating in it and having our own messages against the occupation and capitalism, spoiling it a bit and spicing it up in our radical-queer spirit?.
Against Homophobia
There are other reasons to hold this parade. The cooperation of the religious leaders and the Jerusalem municipality against the parade and their attempts to cancel it gives it a more political character.
In June 2005, during the last parade that took place in Jerusalem, the homophobic incitement by the Jerusalem municipality soared. With the support of the mayor, more than a thousand people demonstrated against the parade, cursing and throwing objects at the marchers. The day ended with a stabbing and injuring of 3 marchers by an ultra orthodox Jew (he was arrested by the police and is now facing a court case for 3 attempted murders). The events in the last parade must have a reaction, presence of as many people as possible in the world parade is needed now more than ever.
These are just a few points to think about. Additional viewpoints are always welcome.
- The Official web site of World Pride in Jerusalem
- The web site of Boycott World Pride
How do I get to Israel?
By Air
The flights to Israel are more expensive during the summer than during the winter. But if you plan in advance there might be cheaper options. For Europeans: expect to pay between 250-550 euros. Americans: between 600-800 dollars.
On Foot / By Car
You can enter from Egypt through Taba to Eilat, or from the Jordanian side. Expect to have tougher and more in-depth security inquires if you are coming from an Arab state. From Eilat you can take a direct bus to Tel-Aviv (4-5 hours journey).
By Boat
It might be possible to find a ferry from Greece Italy Cyprus or Turkey. The option should be planned in advance.
What kind of problems can I face entering Israel?
Visa
Most Europeans, Americans and Australians automatically get a tourist visa for three months when entering Israel. For the list of visa eligibility by countries:
If you are coming from a country that isn’t on the list you will need to go to the Israeli embassy or to the Israeli diplomatic representative in your state. In case your country has no diplomatic relationship with Israel it will be impossible for you to enter. If you have any problems, please contact and we will try to help.
In entering the country
Many visitors who arrive to Israel through the airport describe the experience as an unpleasant one. It is possible that you will need to go through a long and invasive interrogation. Maybe you will find it comforting to know that this is a regular procedure and the fact you are being asked a lot of questions doesn’t necessarily mean that you are being seen as a threat. Well, maybe it is not comforting at all.
In case you will be interrogated, there is the chance that your bag will be unpacked and you will need to show everything in it. Remember that all of this procedure should be made while you are present in the room.
We hope that because World Pride happens in the same time everything will be easier for us queers because they’ll expect thousands of fags and dykes coming to join the event. If they would not let queers enter Israel, they could be accused of trying to prevent the World Pride for homophobic reasons (a thing they do not want to be blamed of).
Guidelines in case you are being questioned
- Answer shortly and to the point.
- Some people advise that if what you want to do is to pass through, it is better to be confident, friendly and patient.
- Say you are coming to world pride in Jerusalem. Prepare yourself with other places you would like to see in Israel.
- If you are being asked about going to the occupied territories answer that you have no interest in going there.
- If you have a friend or someone you know that is a Jewish Israeli and lives in Israel but isn’t a radical left activist you can say you have come to visit hir (you should coordinate it in advance because they might call your friend and ask hir questions). You can also give a name of a youth hostel that you are going to stay in, or say you will look for one when you’ll get to Tel-Aviv or Jerusalem.
- You don’t know what is ISM and have no contacts to anything called ISM. Not knowing what “Queeruption” is might be also necessary.
- Don’t mention names of Palestinians you know.
- It’s better if you won’t have any evidence in your passport of a former visit to a country that Israel might see as an enemy state. In case you do have a stamp of one of these countries we suggest you get a new passport before coming.
- Don’t enter Israel with any kind of radical-political material in your bags. Even a Kaffia (the Palestinian scarf) can cause some problems. Don’t have any names of Israeli or international peace activists in your phonebook or address book, and of course no Arab names. You should save all of the important information in your email and get it out when you are in Israel.
- Bringing a laptop computer with you might prove preoblematic on your way out of Israel, as electronics carried by internationals are throughly checked at the airport, sometimes damaging them.
More info about getting into Israel
These websites contains some good info about getting into Israel (If you print it don't take it with you when you come to Israel!)
What can I do in the region before or after Queeruption?
There are so many things to do here and it depends in what you are interested. Here are some ideas and you are more then welcome to suggest some others.
You might join the groups who are fighting against the occupation and the building of the wall:
- AAW Anarchists Against the Wall, sometimes called "Anarchists Against the Fence" or "Jews Against Ghettos", is a loose-knit organization comprised of Israeli anarchists and anti-authoritarians who oppose the construction of the Israeli Gaza Strip barrier and Israeli West Bank barrier. Although AAW has no official membership, it claims to have around 100 active participants who coordinate with Palestinians and groups like the International Solidarity Movement to organize nonviolent marches, civil disobedience, and direct action.
- ISM - The International Solidarity Movement
- Ta'ayush (the name is Arabic and means "coexistence") is a grassroots group of Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel who work to end the occupation of the Palestinian territories and to achieve full equality for all Israeli citizens.
- ICAHD - The Israeli Committee Against House Demolition
- Machsom Watch is an human rights organization composed exclusively of Israeli women. In English, the group is also known as "Women for Human Rights". Their stated aims are to "monitor the behaviour of soldiers and police at checkpoints", "ensure that the human and civil rights of Palestinians attempting to enter Israel are protected", and "record and report the results of our observations to the widest possible audience, from the decision-making level to that of the general public".
- PHR - Physicians for Human Rights
- RHR Rabbis for Human Rights
These are only some of the organizations that work in the occupied territories. More links will be provided.
What should I do if I want to come to Queeruption but I don't have the money for it?
Well, we thought about a few options but maybe you have other ideas… Firstly, you could start saving or working if you can. You can also hold your own benefit event and fundraise the money (a lot of the activists who come to Palestine do it). And finally, remember it is mostly the price of the plane ticket that you have to pay. Staying here (especially in Palestine) is very cheap. Queeruption events will be free, and we will only ask for donations – you give as much as you can afford.
What is there to do other than activism?
You might also want to travel in the area enjoying the fact that in a short and cheap ride you can reach so many views, different communities and natural phenomenon. The Sinai desert in the south is the perfect option for taking a cheap and restful break . Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon are also interesting options for the rest of your visit. If you want to visit Syria or Lebanon after Israel, be sure the Israeli police doesn’t stamp your passport when entering. Ask them to stamp a separate sheet instead. You will also find nice activists in Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem who will be happy to host you and show you the city, as well as cheap hostels.
How are queers treated in Israel?
Many foreign gays and lesbians claim, after a visit to Tel-Aviv, that it is one of the most open and tolerant cities in the world regarding homosexuals, lesbians, transgenders and transsexuals. Everywhere in the city and especially in the city center there is a feeling that every second person in the street is queer. Generally, the chance you will encounter spontaneous homophobia in Tel-Aviv is pretty small.
Until the last events in the Jerusalem pride parade, many of us had the feeling that homophobia in Israel is in decline. It turned out that violence against queers can be extreme, especially among ultra-orthodox religious Jews. It is possible that the violent atmosphere in the city will rise again towards the World Pride.
Homosexuality was decriminalized in Israel in 1986. There has been considerable progress in equal rights legislation since then, notable exceptions are the right to marry and adopt children. The state of Israel also makes it possible to change the name and sex in the identification card (under some conditions) and also gives certain (and limited) support to gender reassignement operations.
H.I.V
It looks like the country's attitude towards H.I.V carriers and Aids is relatively reasonable, even though there is a constant threat from the ministry of health to take the H.I.V medicine cocktail off of the state-sponsored health-care benefits. The state of Israel supports persons who are H.I.V positive and also takes part in the campaign for the struggle against Aids. Israel does not limit the entry of persons that are H.I.V positive and H.I.V patients into the country.
The Police and the Army
The police are seldom openly homophobic. A few years ago a gay couple got arrested in Jerusalem because they kissed in public, but luckily these things don’t happen often.
Gays, lesbians and transsexuals are legally obligated to join the army like heterosexuals. Or as we radicals would put it, Gays have an equal opportunity to refuse to join the army.
See also
Israeli queer history Queer in the Land of Sodom The Gully
Queer groups in Israel:
- Black Laundry - http://www.blacklaundry.org/eng-index.html
- Queerhana - http://queerhana.org/
How are Queers treated in Palestine?
Homosexuality is seen as a foreign and threatening factor in much of Palestinian society, so it is very rare to find open-mindedness on this issue among Palestinian citizens of Israel and especially in the Palestinian society in Palestine. In many cases, Palestinian society excommunicates or exiles lesbians and gays. Two years ago the first organization of a group called Aswat (Voices) of Palestinians feminist lesbians was established. A group of Palestinian gays (mostly from East Jerusalem) meets at the Jerusalem Open House.
Israel and Palestinian Queers
Many Palestinian gays are forced to flee their relatives and hide in Israel. Because Israel prevents Palestinians from entering it without a special permit, they are frequently arrested and deported back to Palestine. Often the Israeli General Security Service tries to coerce them with possibilities of staying in Israel in exchange for collaboration (another reason why they are suspected of treason in Palestine). Often, deportation to Palestine will result in actual danger, as a result of both homophobia and the fear that they are collaborators. Because of their illegal status in Israel, many Palestinian gays are forced into the sex industry. Some rely on friends and lovers in Israel to support them. Without a passport and legal status, it is almost impossible for them to leave Israel-Palestine (Here is an opportunity for Europeans to help them in many ways. Just an idea…).
Bridging the societies
The few attempts of Israeli queer groups (Black Laundry) to combine queer content in joined demos of Israelis and Palestinians against the occupation came to an end with a request from the Palestinian side to hide or water down the messages and the fashion sense... Still, it should be possible to agree on an action that is suitable for everyone. This will have to include early planning with the Palestinian activists and a dialog on the subject.
See also
- Gay Palestine Stories from the Land of Milk and Agony
- ASWAT - Palestinian Gay Women
What other major differences exist between Israel and Palestine?
First, a bit of background on the territory: Israel has never declared its official borders but holds on to occupied territories. A Palestinian state does not exist yet but those who strive for a two-state solution of the conflict typically regard the west bank and the Gaza strip as the territory of the future state. Both of these separate territories have been under Israeli occupation since 1967. Previous to that The Gaza strip was under Egyptian control and the West Bank was under Jordanian control.
The Settlements and the Separation Wall (or Barrier or Fence)
Since the mid 1970's Israel has constructed about 150 settlements or "illegal settlements" for emphasis. Every one of these Jewish-only settlements (including some neighborhoods in east Jerusalem) is a violation of article 49 of the 4th Geneva Convention. The ongoing construction of Israeli settlements in the heart of the Occupied Territories and the separation wall which cuts deep into them, make such a two state solution harder and harder to achieve. It helps to look at a map to understand just what an obstacle the settlements and the wall pose.
See here, how complicated the situation is with the wall and settlements. Check this for a good map
The term Palestine
Activists will sometimes use the term Palestine to mean the Occupied Territories. Others use the term to refer to all of historic Palestine which includes all of Israel and the Occupied Territories that was the historic home of the Palestinians. In this document, when we use the term Palestine we will mean those parts of historic Palestine which were captured in 1967.
Palestinians, Israeli Palestinians and the Residents of Jerusalem
In contrast to Palestinians who live in Israel (1 million citizens of Israel who were in the areas which became Israel in 1948 and are usually refered to as “Israeli Arabs” in the mainstream media), the Palestinians who live in Palestine under Israeli occupation (since 1967) are not citizens of Israel. A population of 3 million (today) has lived under military occupation for the last 38 years with almost no formal rights.
About 200,000 Palestinians, who live in occupied East Jerusalem, have permanent residency status which allows them to live in Jerusalem and in Israel. However, this residency status can be revoked. For example, if a permanent resident is out of the country for more than 7 years he loses his residency. The reason for the different status for residents of Jerusalem is Israel's declaration that it has permanently annexed all of Jerusalem to Israel.
Freedom of movement
Palestine is divided by walls, fences and Jews-only roads. Travel in Palestine is further impeded by hundreds of checkpoints and barriers and is therefore slow and difficult, especially in comparison with Israel which has a modern transportation system. Palestinians require Israeli permits to move even inside Palestine and Israelis are forbidden by the Israeli army from entering Palestinians cities. Internationals can move around relatively freely unless there is a curfew or a closure.
Access for people with disabilities is pretty low in Israel and Palestine. In order to travel one must rely mostly on taxis.
Israel has a good inexpensive public transport system, but it doesn’t run from Friday evening to Saturday night because of religious legislation.
Economic differences
Economic differences between Israel and Palestine are reflected in such things as the price of a falafel sandwich which costs 2-3$ in Tel-Aviv and less than 1$ in Palestine. Economic development in Palestine is prevented by Israel and the difference in infrastructure and development is striking. economic livelihood has been damaged by restricting the people from accessing their jobs, education, health and other social services.
Language
The main language in Palestine is Arabic but many also speak some Hebrew which they learned while working in Israel or in Israeli prisons. Although English is spoken less often one can always get by. The main language in Israel is Hebrew. Arabic is spoken mainly by the Israeli Palestinians and Russian is spoken by recent immigration from the Former Soviet Union. English is widely spoken.
What about terrorist attacks?
In the last year the number of attacks by Palestinians in Israel has decreased significantly. The chances of being hurt in a traffic accident are much higher than being hurt in a terrorist attack.
The place where you are more likely to be a victim of a terror attack is in the Palestinian areas in the West Bank and Gaza strip. There Israel army maintains terror tactics like invasions into Palestinian cities and bombings by the air force.
To reduce the risk
Those who are wish to reduce risk even further can do so by avoiding public transport and generally stay away from crowded places. Jerusalem is a lot tenser than Tel-Aviv, but still, these days most Israelis do not feel the effects of the conflict in their daily lives in the same way that Palestinians experience it.
What about police and army brutality?
When Israeli radical leftists meet the police the result is often police violence and arrests, but the chances of the police using tear gas or water cannons inside Israel in very low.
International activists who are arrested at a demonstration either in Israel or in Palestine risk deportation. If they don't have a ticket back home the Israeli state will eventually give in and buy them a ticket. However, those who are deported can expect to be barred from the country for 10 years and/or face a lot of harassment at the airport if they return.
And in Palestine?
The situation in Palestine is very different. It is almost certain that any time Palestinians demonstrate they will be met with tear gas, rubber bullets and even live ammunition. The presence of Israelis and internationals in joint demonstrations with Palestinians usually reduces the level of violence but is no guarantee of safety.
In addition to attacks by the army and police, ordinary Palestinians, international and Israeli activists have been attacked by armed settlers acting on their own initiative but enabled by the army. Most of the time the settlers only curse and make threats but it is a good idea to beware of them.
What about other problems in Israel?
Here you will find a lot of information about other aspects of Israeli society which require additional consideration. You might want to take the time and read it so that you will have an idea about the complicate situation here, and also for getting ideas about other political activities you might want to create in this Queeruption.
Trafficked Women in Israel's Sex Industry
Amnesty International: Human rights abuses of women trafficked from countries of the former Soviet Union into Israel’s sex industry Adobe Reader
Palestinians who are citizens of Israel
- Mossawa Center: THE LESSONS OF OCTOBER 2000: Twenty-Seven Arab Citizens Killed and Ignored
- The Arab Association for Human Rights: Land and Planning Policy in Israel
The relationship between Ashkenazi and Mizrahi/Sepharadic people
(who immigrated to Israel from Arab countries) and Ashkenazi people (who immigrated from America and Europe)
- Reflections By An Arab Jew - Prof. Ella Shohat
- Either the cake will be shared by all or there will be no cake. 30 years to the Black Panthers in Israel - Dr. Sami Shalom Chetrit
Poverty and unemployment in Israel
Report: Real jobless rate is 18%
Migrant workers in Israel
- Strangers in a strange land: international migration in Israel by Martha Kruger Adobe Reader
- Between Exploitation and Trafficking Concise Case Descriptions of Migrant Workers in Israel, Kav Laoved 2004 Microsoft Word
Bedouin (nomads) rights in Israel
The Bedouins in Israel, Association for Civil-Rights in Israel.
The ecological struggle in Israel
How can I help right now?
Some of you come from rich countries so you can help us with fundraising. Please, send us money if you have it, or hold benefit events for us. We might have to pay for renting a space because it is very hard to squat in Tel-Aviv, so we need a lot of money. Remember also that this Queeruption will take place for 11 days (not 7 as usual). Consider this when you think about the money that we need to collect until the summer. Another big help would be to send this information to as much people as you can (also mailing lists, forums and more...). Make all of your cute friends come (; Lastly, help you can start from now is with translations. We would like to publish this FAQs in other languages. It is a lot of text but it is important for us that everyone will read it before coming here in August.
What is “DIY”?
This means DO IT YOURSELF. You don't have to be an expert. We all have talents and abilities that we can share with each other. From cleaning the toilets to putting on makeup, we want to create autonomous communal space/s where we can be ourselves, work and play together. DiY includes anti-consumerism. By this we mean that not everything will be served to you on a plate. We want and need your participation to make this happen for you and for everybody else.
What is "Queer"?
We all use the word "queer" in different ways, one of them - in the hope of generating a sense of radicalness, diversity and perversity. We want gender-benders of all descriptions, labeled and unlabeled, to come share a friendly space where you don't have to answer to any definitions of gender and sexuality (unless YOU want to, of course...).
We took the last 2 answers from the website of Queeruption Sydney: www.queeruption.org/sydney .
Sunday, January 22, 2006
