The Antifa movement in Palestine began in the 1930s and remained active during that decade.[5] Although the movement never gained widespread popularity in the country and was often viewed as radical by critics,[6][7] it re-emerged in the 21st century. Today, its activities include the distribution of flyers, participation in demonstrations, and sometimes, physical violence.[8]
Antifa is an organization open to all workers and citizens, regardless of political affiliation or party, that recognizes the need to fight against the scourge of fascism and antisemitic poison. It acknowledges the shared social and national interests of all laborers, regardless of nationality or religion.
Antifa has no place for those who sow hatred against the Jewish worker, his growth, and his establishment in the country, nor for those who spread hatred against the Arab worker and his advancement.
Antifa aims to empower the anti-fascist public in Israel to combat the dangers of fascism and chauvinism in both Jewish and Arab communities, while reaching out to those influenced by fascism and antisemitism.
Antifa unites Palestine's working public in the global fight against fascism.
Local Antifa members were critical of Zionism and the Zionist movement's relationship with the United Kingdom, arguing that the United Kingdom allowed Jews to immigrate to Israel for its own colonialist interests.[13]
1940s
In 1943, towards the end of World War II, anti-fascist activists living in Palestine published a document titled "In the war against fascism and antisemitism – unite!".[14]
In 1990, Antifa – An Israeli anti-fascist newspaper (אנטיפא – עיתון אנטיפשיסטי ישראלי) was published. It was the first and only anti-fascist news source in Israel. Most of the articles on the newspaper covered the crimes of Nazi Germany and the Israeli occupation.[15]
2010s
In June 2014, in response to public outrage over the Gush Etzion kidnapping and murder and rising concerns about racism in Israeli society, the group 'Antifa 972' was founded. The number '972' refers to Israel's international dialing code. The group's mission is to document and take action against violence and hate crimes targeting Arabs, refugees, and left-wing activists.[16]
2020s
On February 4, 2021, Israeli hackers who sympathized with Antifa broke into the website of the Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacistorganization in the United States, and replaced the homepage with a banner displaying an Antifa flag, accompanied by the text: "SHABBAT SHALOM GOODNIGHT WHITE PRIDE".[17]
Antifa members in Israel strongly oppose the Israel Police and the Israel Defense Forces, claiming they serve the Zionist establishment's interests and maintain a monopoly on violence.[3] Some members have shown support for refusniks as well.[3]
Groups
Ultras Hapoel
The fan club "Ultras Hapoel" was founded in 1999 and initially operated at Gate 7 of Bloomfield Stadium before relocating to Gate 5, where it remains active today. Although the club's ties to the working class have diminished over the years, the members of the club still identify as part of Antifa.[9]
Antifa 972
Antifa 972 is an anti-fascist group that has been operating in Israel since at least 2014.[18]
Notable events involving Antifa 972 members include their participation in riots in Jerusalem, providing protection for left-wing demonstrations during 2014 Gaza War, and preventing a Lehava march in Tel Aviv.[19][16][3] Around the same time, two additional Antifa organizations were established in Israel.[16]