We stand in solidarity with Hanoar Haoved VeHaLomed (NOAL) and Hashomer Hatzair and strongly condemn their recent expulsion from the International Falcon Movement (IFM).
As Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste in Israel (ASF) and the Beit Ben Yehuda educational center in Jerusalem, we have had the privilege of hosting many groups from Hashomer Hatzair over the years. Together with NOAL, they represent two of Israel’s last remaining left-Zionist youth movements - organizations that have for decades built bridges across communities, promoted peace, and fought for democracy and social justice.
This decision singles out Israeli youth movements not for their values or actions, but for their very identity. Both NOAL and Hashomer Hatzair are committed to peaceful coexistence, are active in Israel’s peace movement, and often stand in opposition to their own government’s policies. Yet they are now excluded from the very international network they helped to build - one co-founded by Jewish social democrat Kurt Löwenstein.
Isolating democratic youth movements because of their nationality undermines the purpose of international cooperation. It replaces dialogue with division, and erases critical voices that are essential for building a just peace.
Our history as ASF is rooted in confronting the past, fostering dialogue, and building bridges across divides. We therefore stand in full solidarity with Hanoar Haoved VeHaLomed and Hashomer Hatzair, and we call on the international youth movement to protect - not silence - pluralistic and democratic spaces for young people everywhere.
@hashomerhatzair @hashomerhatzairberlin Netzwerk Israel - Solidarität mit der Zivilgesellschaft @ifmsei haGalil.com @conact.de.il @noal4u Beit Ben Yehuda - בית בן יהודה
As Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste in Israel (ASF) and the Beit Ben Yehuda educational center in Jerusalem, we have had the privilege of hosting many groups from Hashomer Hatzair over the years. Together with NOAL, they represent two of Israel’s last remaining left-Zionist youth movements - organizations that have for decades built bridges across communities, promoted peace, and fought for democracy and social justice.
This decision singles out Israeli youth movements not for their values or actions, but for their very identity. Both NOAL and Hashomer Hatzair are committed to peaceful coexistence, are active in Israel’s peace movement, and often stand in opposition to their own government’s policies. Yet they are now excluded from the very international network they helped to build - one co-founded by Jewish social democrat Kurt Löwenstein.
Isolating democratic youth movements because of their nationality undermines the purpose of international cooperation. It replaces dialogue with division, and erases critical voices that are essential for building a just peace.
Our history as ASF is rooted in confronting the past, fostering dialogue, and building bridges across divides. We therefore stand in full solidarity with Hanoar Haoved VeHaLomed and Hashomer Hatzair, and we call on the international youth movement to protect - not silence - pluralistic and democratic spaces for young people everywhere.
@hashomerhatzair @hashomerhatzairberlin Netzwerk Israel - Solidarität mit der Zivilgesellschaft @ifmsei haGalil.com @conact.de.il @noal4u Beit Ben Yehuda - בית בן יהודה
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