RUTHFULLY YOURS

A poster published on the official Facebook page of the political advocacy NGO known as the “Solidarity Movement” depicts a woman being raped, as a metaphor for Israel allegedly being “raped” by “settlers.” The poster shows a woman forcefully pinned down with her mouth held open, with the poster title a takeoff of the film “Deep Throat.” The text, referring to the controversy over the Migron settlement, proclaims: “If they were residents of Haifa, Beer Sheva or Ashdod they would be in jail. But they are settlers. So shut up, bend down, swallow, you probably know that you want it!!!”

After criticism by some of the group’s members, the image on the rape poster was changed (though the language remained the same). The original and new version can be viewed here and below.

Commenting on this highly offensive image, which represents the antithesis of tolerance, dialogue and human rights, NGO Monitor released the following statement:

“The poster is a vitriolic, offensive, and highly distorted depiction of Israeli society and the legal process,” says Prof. Gerald Steinberg, president of NGO Monitor. “By publishing this, the Solidarity Movement has completely dropped the pretense of promoting human rights and tolerance. This is not the first time that an NGO claiming a human rights agenda has exploited the very serious accusation of rape as part of the wider political assault against Israel.”

“Since its inception as the Sheikh Jarah Solidarity Movement, (named after a Jerusalem neighborhood characterized by intense property disputes) this NGO has become increasingly inflammatory in its activities,” Steinberg added. “Even members of the movement recognized the hateful, counterproductive, and immoral nature of this poster, and asked that it be changed. Unfortunately, the new version kept the exact same text and is indicative of Solidarity’s demonizing rhetoric.”

A leader of the group, Sara Benninga, has accused Israel of “fascism” and “ethnic discrimination against its residents,” and protesters at rallies have displayed signs declaring “Apartheid is here.” [Note: A webpage with the “Apartheid is here” poster was later removed from the Solidarity website.] Such language fundamentally contradicts the declared principles of one of its main donors, the New Israel Fund, and demonstrates the urgent need for foundations and governments to closely monitor and hold grantees accountable.

Adds Steinberg: “Individuals and organizations that claim to promote human rights and liberal values in the context of a broader conversation have a moral obligation to condemn this, and ensure that their funding does not enable such flagrant abuses. This specific image is deeply offensive to women, and while some Solidarity members have spoken out, the group has failed to implement real changes.”