Resistance to war is probably one of the oldest social movements
jj May 26th, 2007
But there are no records until now that soldiers from different sides in the wars work together against the ongoing violence. “Combatants for Peace†(http://www.combatantsforpeace.org/) is the fascinating exception. Israeli and Palestinian soldiers have organised actions, discussions, and protests aiming to end the atrocities on all sides. One of the latest campaigns is to set up large billboards on the West Bank to promote nonviolence.
The 48-foot-long billboard features an Israeli and a Palestinian soldier, tossing their guns aside and shaking hands and with the words: “Make Peace, end the occupation.” Another sign with the same image that shows children with each soldier will say, “Bethlehem Peacebuilders.” Billboard company owner and peace activist Bruce Barrett from US will be in the Israeli-occupied West Bank territory overseeing the painting of a billboard promoting nonviolence. Once painted, the billboard images will return with Barrett and a crew filming the trip, to ultimately be displayed along Interstate 95 in Stratford and Interstate 84 in Waterbury. The message will be seen by about 100,000 people each day in each location.
Barrett and his brother, John Barrett, who are business partners, have long used their billboards to promote causes for humanity, as did their father before them. John Barrett’s projects have to do with promoting environmental causes, while Bruce Barrett’s focus has been peace. He is the founder of the group, “I Wage Peace.”
To what degree a movement’s strengths increase when actors from both sides take part in joint campaigns are an interesting research question. Does anyone have knowledge about such studies? I would definitely be interested in receiving tips about publication on this subject. E-mal. johansen (dot) jorgen ( at) gmail (DOT) com
- Nonviolent Action , Protest , Resistance , War
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