De-escalation 101
Let’s learn to put out fires.
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We don’t want to add fuel to a situation
When it comes to talking about Palestine, conversations can get heated, FAST. One one hand we are talking about human rights, land theft and genocide, and on the other side of the coin people are fuelled by religious fervour, misinformation and the outright false impression that speaking up for Palestine equates anti-Semitism.
The last thing we want is for discussions to lead to shouting matches, or, worse, physical confrontation. This does not help your blood pressure, and it really doesn’t help the movement.
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So, how do we approach discussions?
CALMLY, and with the awareness that in some instances no amount of factual information, references to reports from human rights organisations, nor statistics are going to change some people’s minds.
You can calmly navigate away from angry exchanges by agreeing that you are not going to agree on this subject. If you feel in any way uncomfortable with the direction a conversation is going with a passer-by at a rally, or are facing verbal abuse, utilise the best tool available to you (and most people).
Take out your phone and start filming.
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Who are the best people to talk to?
You friends and family. They are the people who know you and with whom you have common ground. Presenting those who you feel are on the fence with reports from human rights organisations is a great first step.
“You don’t have to listen to my take on this - why not check out Amnesty International’s latest report on Gaza?” Or “Doctor’s Without Borders have put out a very in-depth, independent report - why not have a look at it?” are both calm, relevant, and neutral positions to present.
Have a buddy.
When you are at a rally, make sure that you have a buddy.
Talk to the person next to you and plan to keep an eye out for one another. Never embark on a conversation with someone unknown to you without having a buddy nearby. You can help to calm your buddy down if they are being provoked by placing a hand on their shoulder and taking a turn, letting them catch their breath. You can also raise your hand to get the attention of a rally marshall who can come and take over. Our rally marshalls wear hi-vis vests and will physically place themselves between you and your buddy and the person you are engaged with. They will know an appropriate time to take out phones to start filming, or if police need to be notified.
Name calling is not on. Go silent rather than hurling personal insults at people. We don’t know anyone’s personal situation and therefore personal attacks are strongly discouraged.
If you need to do SOMETHING or you feel you will burst - start to sing “Te Aroha”. Nobody can sling insults at someone effectively when they are calling for love and peaceful relations.
Use your phone.
Unfortunately, sometimes people want nothing more than to run riot. You may encounter a counter-protestor who wants to rip down flags, grab your placard or smash our signs.
Do nothing to stop them. But grab your phone and start filming.
The best way to retaliate against mindless destructive behaviour is to capture it and expose it. This can also be helpful if police are brought into a situation, to provide evidence of bad behaviour.
Zionist behaviour will only get worse as the situation in Gaza and the West Bank continues to deteriorate. Either due to doubling down on their position to combat their guilty consciences or feeling like ‘terrorists’ are getting ‘what’s coming to them’, we can expect increasing volatility from Zionists at our protests.
Be calm, and be prepared to capture it all.
Stay calm & Free Palestine.
You’re on the right side of history, and standing up for human rights.
Free Palestine. Free Us All.