Months after being shot and killed by an off-duty policeman, justice for Ethiopian Israeli teenager, Solomon Tekkah, is still being sought.
FROM The Association of Ethiopian Jews – AEJ
Together with young activists, the AEJ co-sponsored an important conference on September 4th titled: “State Commission of Inquiry – Now!” to address the establishment of a state commission to investigate Solomon Tekah’s shooting and 12 other victims of Police violence. As Israeli elections are just days away, current and potential MK’s were invited and challenged on their views and actions on this and other issues impacting Ethiopian Israelis.
Some insights from the conference:
1. This conference was one of the most important since the protests began. This was the first conference where elected and potential representatives were required to declare their opinion for a state commission – a demand that has been completely ignored by decision-makers.
2. National leaders are often disconnected from the public and are cut off from the grass-roots, which explains some of their answers. They spoke mostly about “cultural sensitivity” while Ethiopian Israelis talk about racism, police violence, profiling and deterrent punishments. Since there is a disconnect in the dialogue there will be a gap in the recommended solutions.
3. The political field is an important arena. That’s where decisions are made and policies created. Protests cannot remain only on the streets. Strong advocacy in the corridors of the Knesset is key! A strong lobby requires the mobilization of MK’s to fight on behalf of the community. Representing the citizens is their duty but we must recruit them, proving again and again why politicians must be part of the struggle to change policy. It won’t be easy, and it’s never been easy.
4. We didn’t demand enough. We let them off the hook. Instead of more critical questions, there were outbursts and accusations from frustrated activists that allowed the politicians to avoid the serious issues and instead do something they enjoy to do – shouting back.
5. Asking tough questions should not have closed the conference. What else can be done to continue the protest? Just days before elections, we must reach the places where MK’s and elected officials are making public appearances and continue to confront them, to ask tough questions and demand firm answers.
Many thanks to the social activists who initiated the conference and worked hard to bring it to fruition, and thanks to the families of the victims who attended and spoke so movingly.
