Why direct action is becoming common in the fight for the Palestinian cause | The Stream

Direct action - the use of economic or physical power to achieve specific goals - has come to define the tactics of a new generation of advocates for the Palestinian cause. As people become more frustrated with their government’s failure to confront Israel’s assault on Gaza, direct action is becoming increasingly common. This episode looks at the people behind direct action and why it is their preferred mode of protest.
Presenter: Myriam Francois
Guests:
Medea Benjamin - Codepink co-founder
Lowkey - Hip-hop artist and activist
Ashish Prashar - No Tax for Genocide campaign co-founder
#Palestine #aljazeeraenglish #gaza

[@nasirsyed6595]

AJ has risen to the gold standard in journalism. Reporting and analyzing truth. Putting client media (or stenographers) such as BBC, CNN to shame. Bravo!

[@chiarayavhnoska966]

Agreed. As your regular non antisocial, happened to be westerner , human , Al Jaazera should win a Nobel prize for peace ...if we westerners ever come to our senses on this...

[@user-bi2by7rf8m]

its only a matter of time before AJ gets cancelled here in the states if it hasnt happened already. unfortunately. as an american resident.

[@LiberalDictate]

​@@user-bi2by7rf8mdid you ban tiktok already?:) Mr. Resident of FREE world?

[@cocofluff]

You only feel that way because you agree with their biased pro Palestinian reports. They produce interesting reports But this channel does NOT produce balanced reporting so it can NEVER be the gold standard in journalism.

[@disdoncable]

Where's the AJ documentary/expose on the brutal modern-day slavery practiced by the Qatari regime?

[@mohammedhursh4276]

Love the lady from.codepink, I'm Muslim and I've never seen an activist be some.calm and peaceful and restraint.. I will.pray for this lady and hope she is here when palestine is free from Israel... I hope people around her hold her up.on there shoulders as she is in the US and questioning their politicians directly.. such a brave and big hearted lady mashallah... Allah makes really good people to help.

[@anshuecon]

She is Jewish! And that makes it even more brave

[@s_shaleh]

Yes! It warms my heart seeing Jews and other non-muslim communities standing up for the Palestinian cause. The ladies from Codepink are so badass. Some of the bravest souls on the planet at the moment. I love how relentless and ruthless they are in pursuing and hounding these corrupt politicians. I'm sure they have become a major thorn in the flesh of these corrupt clowns and I'm absolutely living for it. I'm praying for their safety in their upcoming voyage to Gaza. May Allah protect them. Ameen..❤

[@ricknardone278]

Medina and Lowkey are titans in humanitarian work. Total respect.

[@cocofluff]

They are idiots who are hurting the Palestinian cause. Westerners will see them as trouble making terrorists who support Hamas with hostile action and watch, support for Gaza will drop. Especially after that stupid protest yesterday which inconvenienced and ANGERED thousands of Americans.

[@stayahead09]

100%

[@addorsubtract650]

Medea is hows its spelled

[@tamerbatayneh1163]

100%

[@haananne]

100%

[@user-lo6ss7dl7b]

Gaza changed me. I love every single one of these four people in the video, including the host, although I didn't know anything about them before Gaza. Now I know them like family.

[@khethiwezulu6706]

I think it’s changed so many of us 🩷🎀

[@5thdawg917]

Took you all long enough. Just show how many millions are weak minded and cannot critically think for themselves to what's right and wrong.

[@richardgillette5759]

You should move to a country with shariah law like I did. It’s a great life here

[@khethiwezulu6706]

@@5thdawg917 I didn’t say it changed me last year. I’m South African. Palestine has been part of conversation in our lives for years. Please don’t assume so rudely next time. Have the day you deserve 🙏🏾

[@cocofluff]

​@@5thdawg917Gaza hasn't changed my opinion of Hamas at all. They are vile terrorists and Oct 7th proved it. And painting graffiti on buildings and blocking bridges will NOT cause right thinking people to support terrorists!

[@brandmanager4595]

It’s nice to see Myriam on Al Jazeera with her show. Lots of love for all these amazing guests for their hard work. Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@hope.for.palestine.7124]

Ashish is 100% right in that an occupying nation never has the right of self-defense from a territory it occupies and effectively controls. This is according to the UN Charter, Article 51. So, all those world leaders who went on camera after October 7th were lying when they declared "Israel has the right to defend itself". World leaders know international law and chose to lie about it.

[@cocofluff]

So you clowns think Hamas should be allowed to kill Israelis but Israel should not be allowed to fight back? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 no wonder western leaders just ignore all of you . Crazies.

[@mansooraqureshi2696]

Ashish Parshar is touching unique points to resist Genocide. Thanks.

[@cocofluff]

Yes, get arrested and possibly deported while making people think all pro Palestinians are criminal terrorist supporters who care nothing for the countries in which they live. I'm sure that will help Gazans.

[@naila2412]

May Allah give you all rewards for standing up for truth for Palestinians.❤ Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@lineomabulu9857]

didn’t know Myriam has a show! great to see her.

[@JecaMasha]

It's the most important tool, but still only one of many. *BDS *legal avenues *protests *voting (parliament, local council, schoolboard, uni, unions etc.) *civil disobedience *public advocacy, lectures and spreading of awareness and many more Choose whatever method you can afford or feel comfortable using. Every little bit helps. Do not stoop to their level by falling into the trap of bigotry and blind hate, embrace your fellow humans, never relinguish your humanity and empathy, put the focus on fighting injustice and its perpetrators wherever they may be found. Not just for Palestine, but other causes, too. (for example: the occupied Western Sahara / Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic whose people - the Sahrawi -are occupied by Morocco) Remember: Nobody is free, until all of us are free. Power concedes nothing without a demand.

[@cocofluff]

I fail to see how getting locked up helps Gazans. The American public just sees these fools as criminals and terrorists.

[@donnavorce8856]

Writing, emailing, calling, talking with public servants over and over and over. If the good ones have major support they'll push all the harder. The resistant ones will feel that they're truly in a minority in their jenocidal stand.

[@ahmadali-pu5qn]

Innovative segment. The people of humanity and justice need to see more like this. Thank you for your creativity

[@DMC1982]

Human Rights are Not for free they have to fought for and are worth dying for.

[@cocofluff]

You sound like Hamas. Prepared to kill and be killed for a cause. But that only gets you branded a terrorist and then people just ignore your cause. I dont know why Arabs feel violence is the way to get what they want, when 75 years of violence hasn't gotten Palestinians anywhere.

[@cocofluff]

This tactic will NOT work in the west.

[@LiberalDictate]

​@@cocofluffwhy

[@cocofluff]

@@LiberalDictate Blocking roads, bridges and airports and inconveniencing thousands will anger Americans and makes the protesters look like terrorists . In the last two days I've seen comments under these protest videos shift from sympathy for Gazans to outrage at these protesters and their cause. This aggressive, illegal stance will scare Americans and they will pressure police and law makers to crack down on these protesters. They will lose support, not gain support. It's already happening.

[@democracydignityhumanrights]

@@cocofluffyou don’t have to use violence to fight. But you should be aware that even in the west you might go to jail, or even lose your life, just for peaceful protest. It’s less likely, but it can happen, and has before.

[@MariaNI-yf1bz]

Myriam, i did not know you were on AJ too! This is awesome. What a great content, LowKey, Medea, among the people I highly admire too. Your other guest is a brilliant speaker too. Thank you all for your couragious work❤

[@YAli-jd4rm]

Great journalism!

[@gessisouza1295]

FREE PALESTINE!

[@user-qx3kd5cj3e]

Thank you activists❤❤❤❤

[@markmorizio3525]

Yes! Thank you for protesting when Iran attacks Israel. Not sure what they're protesting. Wait! Maybe they were protesting Iran! Yes! Thank you protesting people!

[@MiLaHashemAilai]

the difference in behavior of those who protest for the pallys vs those who protest for isrl, is absolutely incredible!

[@DM-tw6vd]

yea the pally protestors keep getting arrested like crazy

[@milapopdimitrova1283]

yup. zios act and talk like NAZIS

[@donnavorce8856]

Yep. One group is against jenny side. The other group wants to get on with it.

[@chiarayavhnoska966]

When did right wingers ever non violently protest? I don't think that's a thing...

[@uzwan7033]

@@DM-tw6vd of cos... they are getting arrested by those on isrl/aipac payroll

[@user-wl1cp7xy2b]

Great interviewer. Great guests. Geeat interview. 🎉

[@saminachoonara353]

Love Low Key and all the others

[@veronicachikosi3224]

Medea of codepink is awesome 👌 ❤

[@lulusp1023]

Love Madea.. love Lowkey....omg..great show.. Freedom for Palestine now Stop genocide now Long live Aaron Bushnell ❤

[@user-ib4gc9gc1s]

Free Gaza✊🙏🇵🇸💯

[@sammynyc7921]

Thank you guys!! How can I financially support you guys!! No to genocide, free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@shaheenmuhammad6468]

My new favorite show on AJ. Listening Post, Start Here and The Stream. Your panel is brilliant. Thank you for this, all of you. For your tireless efforts to speak out against the Genocide

[@elwoodgroves7848]

Excellent interview and an amazing panel of guests!!! Well done!!!

[@noormohamed917]

Guys you are doing a good job, keep it up and may the Almighty Allah give you strength to make this sucrifice.

[@awakencitizen]

Excellent work @Myriam, we are really proud of you all of you, code-pink, Palestine action, “no tax” direct action to delay tax payment

[@lorenam8028]

Love to Code Pink ❤️

[@EmmaVB82]

Brilliant panel - I already knew Lowkey, and I think I’ve seen Medea somewhere before, but Ashish is new to me (and I love him)! I’d love to see all three of you on independent KZbin channels like Novara Media and Owen Jones in the UK, in addition to the great work AJ English is doing 🙌

[@joannapplewhite128]

Thank you for a wonderful show

[@user-jj5ek1ht9m]

Free free free Palestine

[@ghulamhussain687]

Thanks to these Guys and Respect.

[@ranoujasben2835]

What wonderful people ❤❤❤❤

[@kubrahussain6458]

Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@Track-Master]

This woman knows what shes is reporting about! Thumbs up for her! Awesome work!

[@pauljung3534]

"The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to see to your part, in the sea of humanity." "When you see someone as yourself, you’ll know how to be... with them, as them, for them. Empathy, our one humanity." "Clarity of heart and conscience... is everything." "Those who make a difference.. are those who care to enact -- a world of difference." "Not one, not thousands, nor a world.. can step back from an awakening." ~ Allah (As In All Of Us)

[@harbinger6562]

Good morning Myriam ❤️🇶🇦🇵🇸🙏😇🌹

[@MrTewf]

Time is running out. People see, know and understand what is going on. Israel government must do the right thing for your own good.

[@donnavorce8856]

Internet has provided the world with a front row seat, in real time, full color. There's no hiding any longer. The lights are shining full on the situation. What's imperative is that we don't turn away, get tired, give up.

[@syedaali9449]

Brilliant show! Thanks for bringing these three legends together!

[@M.R.B.]

Thank you! 🙏

[@kategreen-adarkcarnival6747]

Excellent interviews - many thanks.

[@adamali2599]

Thanks Myriam and billion thanks to your prave guessets .............. Just keep going sistor and we the 3/4 of the world oppreced population are behind you

[@kbram7363]

keep it up

[@madenod5145]

Good work Dr Myriam..all on point.🎉

[@lydiamilanovic1761]

Wow, what courageous and compassionate people. I am full of awe and inspiration❤❤🙏🙏

[@cocofluff]

They are criminals who are hurting rather than helping their cause. They will be dismissed as criminals and domestic terrorists. Just silly.

[@GIZMO3380]

Wow these guys seniors n youngs are fabulous. You guys are examples of rights of the people and doing a huge job ensuring the politicians are honest, doing the rights thing for your countries and the world. Kudos to you guys 🎉

[@greggconnolly7299]

Get activists to NYC airports and meet those returning or leaving to Israel and shame them even though they are shameless

[@akram.ibrahim]

Great show

[@BerlinCB]

3 amazing guests and love the work you're doing! Keep it up!

[@cocofluff]

The more they do this, the more people they will turn against their cause. Westerners hate this criminal sh**.

[@mehruneusufzai2341]

Thank you so much Al Jazeera correspondent for great analysis. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@adansabdow3958]

Indeed awesome work!!

[@davidfrazier8822]

I love pink 🩷

[@grahamhader6393]

Big up for Code pink ❤

[@MohammadAhmed-pt1rk]

May Allah bless all of you and keep you safe

[@myenglishgig5182]

Respect for all direct action people! Respect!!!

[@louisaruth]

this just in: direct action gets the goods

[@abuyousuf615]

Great show- Mariam Francoise-great point. We need to wake us up to this movement. Thanks

[@MamaTT630]

Thank you !!! Please keep being PALESTINES VOICE!

[@masoley6369]

Ashish Prashar speaks in volumes!!!

[@ImranKhan-gs2hy]

Great program, Dr. Myriam Francois is a superb addition.

[@arsalenshamil4117]

Great show Dr Miriam

[@azadjm3742]

Works 100%

[@dlovestar]

All 4 advocates ( 3 panelists + host) are highly knowledgeable, intelligent people who are true warriors for the people. They speak truth to power. I wish Medea safety on her journey to Gaza. Free Palestine!!!

[@abuyousuf615]

Courage!!! Patience!!! That’s all I can say to these great activists

[@angeladipace1035]

Thank you for your commitment

[@slickperspective2745]

Oh, our mom Medea ❤😭 I have much LOVE for effort and her whole team ❤❤❤❤ Much love from Poland and Free Palestine!

[@magnaestveritasetpraevalet1077]

Thank you Myriam for hosting a splendid and thought provoking insight on a very urgent topic with the legends of social justice and equality movements on the planet today, Codepink,Lowkey and Ashish Well done! I hope that this inspires other like-minded individuals and groups to rally in support of the resistance to oppression, tyranny and evil deception. The world must not bow down to the criminality and deception of those intoxicated with the charm of wealth and power, Long live the resistance!

[@maryannechilds6459]

Kiaora u fullas for all yr mahi ❤

[@user-wg4nu1rc5s]

Great episode, with amazing speakers. respect

[@StealthyHawk]

🇵🇸❤️😔

[@EhsanuzzamanSurid]

Love how you brought in 3 of my fav speakers I recently came to know due to the coverage of the ones who are standing up. Thanks AJ

[@AdamShivers-bt2hs]

Thankyou Maryiam ❤

[@pauljung3534]

"Seeding the future when possible extinction stares us in the face; seeding freedom when the freedoms of all beings are being closed for the limitless freedom of the 1% to exploit the earth and people, to manipulate life and our minds: this calls for a quantum leap in our imaginations, our intelligences, our capacity for compassion and love, as well as our courage for creative nonviolent resistance and non-cooperation with a system that is driving us to extinction." ~ Vandana Shiva "The challenge remains. On the other side are formidable forces: money, political power, the major media. On our side are the people of the world and a power greater than money or weapons: the truth. Truth has a power of its own. Art has a power of its own. That age-old lesson - that everything we do matters - is the meaning of the people’s struggle here in the United States and everywhere. A poem can inspire a movement. A pamphlet can spark a revolution. Civil disobedience can arouse people and provoke us to think, when we organize with one another, when we get involved, when we stand up and speak out together, we can create a power no government can suppress. We live in a beautiful country. But people who have no respect for human life, freedom, or justice have taken it over. It is now up to all of us to take it back." ~ Howard Zinn "I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept." ~ Angela Davis "Inner strength of character cannot be measured by any means but performance in the time of need." ~ K.L. Toth

[@etisamkhan3673]

Respect for intelligent and brilliant host Myriam❤❤❤

[@lailahassan6737]

Love and respect for all these people who work hard for a peaceful world

[@lulubeauty4967]

I'm soooooo goosebumps looking at good people beautiful human being taking a risk, sacrifice themselves for their caring for Palestine though they know the risks.. my God protect them all.. Ameen❤❤❤

[@debbiehamilton2935]

Excellent!

[@abdirahmandirye5543]

Mariam is an intellectual interviewer.

[@sholeha9003]

Medea from CodePink is awesome. Thank you for your great journalism.

[@Isabelle-fm8pcxz]

Medea, Lowkey, Ashish and the AJ host all wonderful people with meaningful discussions and comments. Respect! I admire their courage and steadfastness for truth and humanity!

[@muniebabrown4021]

❤❤FANTASTIC WORK❤❤

[@diygamer1396]

Thank you to all them.❤

[@dixztube]

God bless these women

[@CaliMilli]

I hope there will be wways for people like me to support movements like these in the US. Peace & Love to all the people speaking up and taking action

[@ayamohammed7753]

Free Palestine!!!

[@diannefoster4154]

Winken, Blinken, and Nod- don't care about Palestinian children, just about their MIC cronies.

[@harbinger6562]

Exactly they argue amongst each other with the same agenda 🤨

[@shah0110]

Didn't know Code pink was there from 'nam - sadly service personnel are still being sent for the same "reason"..Amazing selfless human beings striving for human values. RIP Aaron...

[@emckinney765]

Medea is so right, "politicians don't represent us." I'm assuming it's the same frustration in UK for Lowkey/Ashish/Myriam

[@monsieurfrancoise]

Thank you for platforming these amazing people ❤💚

[@priscillaferguson267]

Free Free Palestine from The River to The Sea!

[@haananne]

I love Code Pink

[@melgon2532]

I love you all ✊🏻🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@JecaMasha]

nobody can convince me that lowkey doesn't have a photographic memory, lol.

[@strugglefortruth262]

respect to all

[@gogumagal]

this whole video is like song to my ears, it's so lovely to hear truths and facts and actual change be done. much love for these 4 individuals, please be safe and stay strong 💗💗 thank you also for Al Jazeera English for this content 💗💗

[@AkMS0505]

❤ & Respect to all protesters for their hearts & efforts to protect humanity from genocide...than you guys, for keeping the fight for freedom for all mankind ❤

[@jessemares6111]

☝️

[@learnerlearning8476]

Thank you Aljazeera ❤❤❤❤

[@dawar-yu2ts]

When ten million new generation combine it makes one iron lady like you, never give up, never stops, never tired,,God bless you