Exploring Israel’s Black Panthers: A Revolutionary Movement
“Israel’s Black Panthers: The Radicals Who Punctured a Nation’s Founding Myth,” by Asaf Elia-Shalev, University of California Press, 2024.
In 1971, a groundbreaking movement emerged from Jerusalem’s Musrara neighborhood challenging the Ashkenazi establishment in Israel. “We want to organize against the Ashkenazi government and establishment… We will become the Black Panthers of the State of Israel,” declared the group. Born from the marginalized Mizrahi Jewish community, the Israeli Panthers fought against racism, poverty, and police brutality, drawing inspiration from the American Black Panther Party.
Despite facing suppression and infiltrations by authorities, the Panthers gained momentum, leading protests, and demanding social justice. Their legacy, often forgotten, remains significant in shaping Israeli society. As journalist Asaf Elia-Shalev delves into their untold story in his new book, he explores how Mizrahi grievances continue to resonate today.
With unresolved disparities persisting, the Panthers’ struggle reflects a quest for belonging, power, and recognition. The movement’s evolution and impact offer insights into Mizrahi identity and Israeli politics, suggesting a potential shift in the prevailing political landscape.