Dear friends,
It has been a tumultuous year for defenders of human rights in our region, and the demonstrations for democracy that began in the Arab street continue to reverberate both regionally and globally. However, while dramatic change takes place all around us, the Israeli occupation seems more entrenched than ever, and with it, the systemic violations of Palestinian human rights.
In addition, this year we witnessed an erosion of Israeli democracy with parliamentary initiatives aimed against critics of government policy. Some of these proposals specifically target human rights organizations and our sources of funding. Our response to attempts to stifle human rights work is to redouble our efforts to promote human rights where they are most at risk: in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Throughout the year we call attention to the problems and how much work remains to be done. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize some significant human rights achievements this year as a result of B'Tselem's work.
Over the course of 2011, B'Tselem collected over 1,200 first person testimonies in the West Bank and Gaza. We filed 79 demands for criminal investigations with Israeli law enforcement authorities, and worked intensively to ensure that investigations are opened and conducted effectively. Alongside the research and documentation, we engaged in targeted advocacy efforts and creative public outreach in Israel and abroad. One of these is our video project. We have trained 200 Palestinian men and women as video advocates. Their cameras expose new audiences to the reality of occupation and serve as a real deterrent to violence.
Our efforts have borne fruit. In April, the Israeli military reversed the ten-year old policy not to automatically investigate civilian deaths. While this is only the first step in ensuring accountability, it sends an important message that Palestinian lives must be respected. We also welcomed the military's recent announcement that the age of majority for Palestinians would be raised from 16 to 18. Here too, the change is only a first step in ensuring that the rights of children are respected.
I am so proud to be part of B'Tselem, a vital part of Israeli civil society that is effecting real change on the ground. It is especially gratifying to know that we are working as part of a community of Israelis, Palestinians and people around the world who share our vision of a future where Israelis and Palestinians will live in safety and dignity. I am confident that ultimately, working together, we will make this vision a reality.
I wish you and your loved ones the very best for the New Year.
Jessica Montell
Executive Director
B'Tselem
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