Former members of socialist group Matzpen, Moshe Machover, Haim, and Udi, discuss left-wing movements in Israel in the late 1960s, differential treatment of Jewish and Palestinian individuals, the impact of the Histadrut trade union, evidence of ethnic cleansing, and the potential for socialist transformation in Israel.
The 1967 war triggered radicalization in Israel, influenced by global leftist movements and local issues such as the Palestinian situation.
Madspin, an anti-Zionist organization, had a significant impact in the UK, challenging Israeli propagandists and shifting public opinion on Israel.
Deep dives
The impact of the 1967 war on radicalization
The 1967 war had a significant impact on radicalization in Israel, following the global trend of left-wing and student radical movements in 1968. People in Israel were inspired by movements in France, Britain, and America, and local issues, such as the situation of the Palestinians, contributed to the radicalization. This wave of radicalization was happening worldwide but triggered in each place by local issues, showcasing the influence of global connections on a local level.
The formation of anti-Zionist activists in Israel
Udi Sivush and Hans Gautau, two members who joined the anti-Zionist organization Madspin in Israel, discussed their journey towards anti-Zionism. Udi's political awareness developed through reading newspapers and being influenced by Israeli ex-generals who challenged the notion of occupied territories as a security issue. Hans' transition to anti-Zionism was prompted by his socialist convictions and a growing understanding of the incompatibility between Zionism and socialism. Both individuals joined Madspin after encountering activists who challenged the official Israeli positions, advocating for a two-state solution and acknowledging the need for national rights for Palestinians.
The impact of Matt Spin's activism in the UK
Matt Spin, an anti-Zionist organization, made a significant impact on the political landscape in the UK during the late 1960s. The group engaged with the left and socialist movements in the UK, educating them about the situation in the Middle East. They participated in meetings, debates, and demonstrations across the country, successfully challenging Israeli propagandists through their knowledgeable and well-informed positions. Matt Spin's work garnered support from students and young people, leading to shifts in public opinion and political discourse on Israel.
Challenges and decline of Matt Spin
Matt Spin faced challenges and eventually declined as an organization. Internal splits and sectarianism within the radical left in Israel, influenced by international affiliations, led to damaging divisions within Matt Spin. As a result, Matt Spin lost its critical mass and viability as a political organization, eventually winding down in the 1980s. While Matt Spin's influence declined, a new anti-war movement opposing Israel's 1982 war with Lebanon emerged, bringing new dynamics to the political landscape. Despite Matt Spin's decline, the organization's impact on Israel's political psyche and the ongoing discourse about Zionism and Palestine remains significant.
Concluding part of our two-part episode on a people's history of Zionism and opposition to it within Israel, in conversation with former members of socialist group Matzpen: Moshe Machover, Haim and Udi. For more information and further reading, see the show notes of part 1. Support this podcast and get early access to episodes and other benefits here: https://patreon.com/workingclasshistory ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Edited by Louise Barry Thanks to Max Blumenthal (https://twitter.com/MaxBlumenthal) for permission to use audio from video clips which are here: https://youtu.be/MwjKa9v6OAY and https://vimeo.com/19444809
