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We, the undersigned, pledge to fight the dehumanization of Gazans, Palestinians, and Muslims, and the dehumanization of Israelis and Jews in general. 

As proponents of human rights, we must fight apartheid and oppression. However, this should not involve demonizing the civilians who are associated with the stronger side, and such a struggle certainly must not condone the massacre and atrocities committed against Israeli civilians and other nationals on October 7. At the same time, the widespread support among the Israeli public for the nature of the Israeli retaliation in Gaza — a retaliation which in itself resulted in a horrific extent of killing and suffering — together with the calls by prominent public figures (as well as parts of the Israeli public) for ethnic cleansing and population transfer, are cause for deep concern.

In the West, a disturbing trend has emerged among some young people of dehumanizing Israelis, and, sometimes, Jews. This serves to rationalize killing them or violating their rights by reducing them to proxies of Israeli oppression. This is demonstrated, inter alia, in the indifferent or distorted attitude towards the issue of the hostages in Gaza within these circles. Conversely, in Israel and among wide pro-Israel circles globally, dehumanization of Palestinians in general and Gazans in particular is common, mainly expressed by associating all Gazans with Hamas. This association is used by them to rationalize indiscriminate killing and denial of humanitarian aid. Additionally, the growing wave of Islamophobia in the West, which paints Muslims broadly as terrorists, is both reprehensible and alarming.

The dehumanization of Israelis and Jews, as well as Palestinians and Muslims, is unacceptable. A person is not merely a representation of a collective identity, history, events, or political orientation. A consistent humanistic approach must address all these unacceptable developments.  

Furthermore, a crucial distinction must be made between pro-Palestinian protests and support for crimes against Israelis. The space allowed for pro-Palestinian protest must not be narrowed, as was recently done in many cases. At the same time, we must oppose any rationalization of crimes against civilians, regardless of their identity or location. 

Therefore, we, the undersigned, express our commitment to raising a clear voice against the dehumanization of Palestinians, Muslims, Israelis, and Jews.

Achinoam Nini (Noa), Ala Dakka, Amichai Lau-Lavie, Anat Zeltzer, Aner Preminger, Ari Folman, Arie Krampf, Avi Dabush, Avi Mograbi, Avigail Sperber, Avner Ben-Amos, Avner Gvaryahu, Avshalom Pollak, Axel Honneth, Barak Heymann, Bracha L. Ettinger, Dalit Matatyahu, Dan Yakir, Daniel Hacklai, David Grossman, Dori Parnas, Dov Khenin, Eran Tzidkiyahu, Esawi Frej, Esti Zakheim, Eva Illouz, Eyal Rozmarin, Gadi Algazi, Gideon Lester, Hagai Levi, Hagai Boas, Hannan Abu-hussein, Hava Karavan, Henriette DahanKalev, Iris Leal, Iris Zaki, Itamar Mann, Itay Tiran, Joshua Simon, Karen Russo, Khader Agami Abu-Seif, Kohei Saito, Lahav Halevy, Libby Lenkinski, Maya Arad Yasur, Menashe Noy, Michael Sfard, Michal Aviad, Michal Heiman, Michèle Lamont, Miki Kratsman, Molly Malekar, Morad Hasan, Mossi Raz, Nadav Lapid, Nadine Quomsieh, Nissan Shor, Nito Hoffman, Noam Sheizaf, Ofer Cassif, Ofer Dagan, Ofira Henig, Ofri Ilany, Ohad Naharin, Peter Beinart, Rani Blair, Ranin Boulos, Reut Mor, Roee Rosen, Ruchama Marton, Shede Abbass, Shira Geffen, Shlomi Elkabetz, Sinai Peter, Slavoj Žižek, Tamar Getter, Tamar karavan, Thabet Abu Rass, Tomer Heymann, Tomer Persico, Udi Aloni, Yael Sternhell, Yali Sobol, Yanal Jabarin, Yonatan Gher, Yossi Dahan, Yossi Zabari‏, Yuli Novak, Yuval Rahamim, Zeev Engelmayer, Ziv Stahl, Zohar Wagner

This open letter is an initiative of the Pro-Human Camp Network and Amnesty International Israel

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