Meet Meital Yaniv, Former Israeli Soldier Turned Anti-Zionist Organizer

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Published 2024-01-05
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We speak with anti-Zionist organizer and former IDF soldier from Tel Aviv Meital Yaniv, who joined hundreds of Jewish activists and their allies to shut down the California state Capitol in Sacramento Wednesday to demand a ceasefire in Gaza and condemn the roughly $600 million in California taxes that is used annually for U.S. military aid to Israel. Yaniv recalls how they were raised "extremely Zionistic," their experience in the Israeli Air Force and eventual turn to fight for Palestinian rights. "What Israel is doing right now has nothing to do with antisemitism. What Israel is doing right now is a genocide. What Israel has been doing for the past 75 years is apartheid, is occupation," Yaniv says. "There is no need for any one of us to serve in the IDF. The IDF should not exist. The state of Israel should not exist."

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All Comments (21)
  • @wanealy1
    Some of the first people to let me know about the Israeli occupation and who turned me into an activist almost 20 years ago were former IDF folks who went against the State after seeing what they were asked to do to Palestinians. So much respect.
  • @nanananere
    It requires a LOT of intellectual courage to change your mind about something that has been taught to you since infancy. I'm glad to see that human beings are capable of it :)
  • @drreality1
    What a brave women who managed to see through this fog What’s true and what’s fake and join the love of humanity, pure and simple
  • @paulheimweh
    Brave hearts like her are staying for love, peace and humanity. Thats what we need in dark times like this. I wanna read her book.
  • @Jordan77831
    As an Israeli myself, I can totally relate to Meital. It's weird for me that most of the people around me support the atrocities while feel sorrow for the lost of humanity. I feel lonely then ever, but maybe in time more Israelis will express these same emotions 🙏
  • @mariapadilla7501
    Collectively we need to demand the UK lift Diplomatic immunity for Israeli Ambassador and have her charged with Genocidal incitement. She needs to be prosecuted on those criminal charges and not recognize her as a diplomat.
  • @Mossy181
    Its good to know there are good Jewish people who are anti zionist and anti Apartheid, people like this can bring a peace and stability to palestine and Israel. So jews Christians and moslems can live together peacefully it can happen .
  • @tombushing4907
    This person knows there is a GOD to answer to some day. What a brave and righteous person! Blessings!
  • @timbarry5080
    "We don't need gas chambers because we have usa made bombs".. damn. That nails it. .
  • @bluebird891
    Great job done by this media channel, by bringing such brave voices to the world...
  • @bloodyopus
    'Criticising Israel isn't the same as antisemitism because what Israel is doing is genocide" well said. People like Meital give me hope. May God protect her and bless her soul.
  • @Belkys.
    She is a lot braver than most people, I am blown away
  • @shyxpretion7429
    It’s takes courage to go against an enemy but it’s take tremendous strength nd courage to go against ur own.
  • @GoutamDAS-ls1wb
    My profound respect for Meital Yaniv for having the wisdom, moral courage and for taking a stand for what is right. People like you should be in governance. I hope young people like yourself and others on the Palestinian side can chalk out a sustainable peaceful coexistence. Look where the older generation has landed us!
  • @anamurray4532
    Thank you, Meital, for your incredible courage. I never imagined that I would witness Jewish individuals speaking out about the truth of what Palestinians have endured, from acts of terrorism to expulsion and even genocide. Your willingness to stand up for what is right is truly inspiring, and it reaffirms our shared humanity. I sincerely appreciate your efforts and wish you all the best.
  • @jaredangell5017
    I'm also a former IDF soldier who left Israel and never plans to return. I saw blatant genocide with my own eyes and was appalled!