During his interview on Democracy Now!, Ali said of the Palestinians, "When they engage in Gandhi-like protest, they’re attacked."

The same thing happened in India: The Jalianwala Bagh massacre is the most famous example. In fact, absorbing the Israeli blows with discipline and dignity is crucial to Gandhian tactics. The Isrealis need to understand that what they are doing is wrong. You need to show them their error. They will not be able to do the difficult work of looking into their own hearts if they fear violence from you.

I urge you to give deeper consideration to a truly Gandhian (as opposed to Gandhi-like) approach. The Palestinians (and only the Palestinians) can help guide the Israelis towards justice, but they must first show the Israelis two things: 1) They have no reason to fear the what will happen if they demilitarize, and 2) What justice looks like.

A Gandhian struggle (but not a few Gandhi-like protests) can achieve these ends.

You will naturally ask, "Why am I not advising that the Israeli's adopt a Gandhian approach?"

There are two reasons:

1) Gandhi called his technique "Satyagraha" which means "Truth-power." The Israelis are profoundly wrong in this situation, so Truth-power is not available to them. By refusing to adopt a disciplined Gandhian approach, the Palestinians set aside their most powerful weapon. The power that comes from being right is in your hands, not Israel's. Use it. Use it to its full effect.

2) Satyagraha has never been adopted by the party to any conflict that has the greater military force at their disposal. Even if the Israelis were right, they would be unlikely to adopt Satyagraha.

As a great prophet once said, "The meek shall inherit the earth."

Claim your inheritance.