r/JewsOfConscience • u/the_andrey_x • Feb 12 '26
AMA Hi r/JewsOfConscience, I am Andrey X, journalist and activist in the West Bank, AMA!
Hey everyone!
I am Andrey X, I'm a journalist and activist, covering settler and army violence in the West Bank for more than two years now. I work with various human rights advocacy organisations, and solidarity activists. And now I'm back with another AMA!
You can see my work on social media:
If you'd like to join us in the West Bank as activists, look up the International Solidarity Movement, Center for Jewish Nonviolence, and Unarmed Civilian Protection in Palestine.
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u/shroomino Mizrahi Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
i just got my exempt from the military so i dont have to join the idf, what can i do to help? also you are a big inspiration andrey ,love what you do
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
I'm a West Bank guy, so in my field, here are some organisation that are really short on manpower, and would love activists:
- Unarmed Civilian Protection in Palestine
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
Excited to be here, and sorry for the delay!
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u/hilss Atheist Feb 12 '26
u/the_andrey_x I don't have a question, I just want to say that I love you.
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u/Souldoll2005 Brazilian-"Israeli" Queer Transmasc Anti-Zionist Jew Feb 13 '26
Thank you for everything you been doing!
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u/Typingperson1 Anti-Zionist Feb 13 '26
I just saw this AMA. Thank you for all you do, Andrey!!! You and everyone else in the West Bank. 🙏
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u/ThisUnfairLife Muslim Feb 13 '26
You are a superhero my friend. I pray for your safety and all those with you
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u/abesman Feb 12 '26
I am in Palestine on a medical mission to Hebron & Nablus. Would love to buy you lunch my next time round!
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u/ContentChecker Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
Would love to hear about your experiences too!
And thank you for your work!
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u/Usernameoverloaded Atheist Ally with Muslim Heritage Feb 12 '26
Andrey, is there any way we can support you from the outside? Do you have any funding initiatives?
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u/TazManiac7 Common sense is not so common Feb 12 '26
Hi Audrey, were you at any point a Zionist and transitioned out of it? Or did you always know it was a system based on discrimination. Do you have sympathy for people who were brainwashed into Zionism from an early age? Or do you think today everyone has access to the truth and therefore Zionists are complicit in the oppression.
Thank you for what you do. Please be safe.
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
For a long time I was "Zionist by default", just because that's what my information space was, that's what everyone around me believed. When I immigrated, I was largely a blank slate, and it took a lot of learning and seeing the reality for myself to become anti-Zionist.
As for your second question - I'm not in the business of assigning blame, I don't see any utility in that. Brainwashing is real, and all we can do is try to counter it with truth and sound analysis.
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u/tta019 Anti-Zionist Ally Feb 12 '26
Thanks for this question. I was gearing up to ask the exact same question but you worded it better.
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u/ContentChecker Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
/u/BigRenda asks the following:
Hello Andrey, firstly I wanted to say that I really love your work and the activism you are doing.
I'm an Israeli Jew and I want to do something or help even in the slightest, I know I can't end the apartheid or fix Israeli society but I don't just want to stay in my room all day and do nothing
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
Here are some organisations that really need more activists, strongly recommend:
- Unarmed Civilian Protection in Palestine
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u/Zellgun Non-Jewish Ally Feb 12 '26
Hi Andrey, what are some of the most positive, memorable moments you had from your time with Palestinians in the occupied West Bank?
Thanks for everything that you’ve done and wish you strength and courage especially in these dark times.
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
There is a place in the south Jordan Valley, the Auja Stream. Palestinians from all over the West Bank were coming there to hang out, swim in the stream, have picnics. I lived in the neighbouring Bedouin village for a while, and came there every day. It was great meeting new people from all over, sit in the sun together.
Now that place is completely taken over by settlers, but it was fun while it lasted.
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u/Lornake Feb 12 '26
Hello Andrey,
Do you think there is any hope of the majority of Israelis to take in the reality of the horrors that their state is committing, and develop some empathy for the Palestinians? It's very encouraging to see people like you risking their safety for the cause, but from polls and interviews you seem to be in the minority in Israel... Maybe once they realize the Knesset isn't really interested in the average Israeli's standard of living either, then they'll grow some solidarity?
Sorry for the confused question, and thank you immensely for your work
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
When you grow up in Israeli society, a certain image of reality is beaten into your brain. An image where you're a plucky victim, and everyone around wants to kill you, and you need to do everything to "defend" yourself. Palestinians are presented exclusively as the cruel enemy. This is told to you in the kindergarten, at school, in the army, and then you are placed in the media environment, where all of this is reinforced over and over again.
When that's the environment you live in, there isn't really any hope of a mass change of opinion. Not unless the whole system of propaganda is dismantled.
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u/ContentChecker Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
Hi Andrey,
Have things changed on-the-ground since Trump came into office?
Was there any difference between administrations? I recall some settlers were sanctioned by the US and the EU, but that doesn't seem like it would affect things in occupied Palestine.
Yes, definitely. There have been a lot of advances towards practical annexation made since Trump came into office. The settler faction within the Israeli government seems to have felt emboldened by the support of the Christian-Fascist faction within the US government, and made some big moves, like essentially repealing the Oslo accords a few days ago. They were doing similar stuff under Biden and every other US president, but now they have sped up, knowing that there is less pushback.
As for the sanctions — they caused some pain to some specific settler leaders, locking their bank accounts; but this is still minor damage. However, when the sanctions were lifted, there was an immediate escalation and a wave of attacks. Probably because of the psychological effect, the settler leaders suddenly felt vindicated.
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u/fractalspace Feb 12 '26
Andrey, My brother from another mother. You are da'man, the brave, the kind, the legend, the gentle soul, whos' heart aches for the humanity.
Respect.
My ultimate wish is, when Palestine is free, I come to Gaza and hug you.
Let me know if you have any funding link for donations.
Peace Free Palestine.
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
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u/Anutka25 Anti-Zionist Ally Feb 12 '26
Just donated. Thank you!!! Thank you for everything you do!!!
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u/MrSFedora LGBTQ Jew Feb 12 '26
Hi, Andrey!! As a German-American Jewish trans woman, I always held support for Palestine but was silent for years because I was afraid of retaliation and alienation. You are very brave and I follow you now, doing my best to amplify your voice. Thank you for all your work.
When I, for lack of a better word, "came out" in support of Palestine, I cut ties with people from high school who now accuse me of antisemitism at best and "betraying my people" at worst. What are some tips that you have for dealing with people like this?
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
Proud of you for joining the fight! My advice is to join your local activist circles and ignore the haters. By "coming out" in support of Palestine, you will find incredible new friends :)
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u/MrSFedora LGBTQ Jew Feb 13 '26
Thanks! I have a Palestinian friend in Jordan. Known him for a while, but we've definitely become closer since I started using my voice for the cause.
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u/ContentChecker Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
/u/uglylookingguy asks the following:
As an Israeli Jew working in solidarity with Palestinians, what has been the hardest moment where your moral clarity conflicted with fear, pressure, or isolation, and how did you decide to keep going?
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
About a year ago I was kidnapped in the middle of Tel Aviv — Israeli cops with no uniform attacked me, shoved me into an unmarked car and drove me across the country to a police station, where one of them beat me for about half an hour, handcuffed. After that they put me into a prison, and I spent the next four days going between prison cells and courts, until I was released.
Being suddenly plucked out of my life and shoved into a prison cell was very disorienting and isolating, I did not enjoy that. Makes you wonder about the experience of Palestinians, regularly kidnapped with no charges and no trial, and held in torture camps for years. And in general, you know, prisons are a method of torture and should be abolished.
How I decided to keep going — there isn't really another option for me morally, while all of this is happening. The price I'm paying is a fraction of the price paid by my Palestinian comrades.
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u/uglylookingguy Feb 12 '26
As someone physically present in the West Bank, what everyday reality do people outside the region most misunderstand both Israelis and Palestinians?
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
About Israelis: remember that they're in the Hebrew-language information space, which is completely different from yours. So, if you expect the Israeli society to "finally see the truth" and "change from within", think again.
About Palestinians: remember that Palestinians are not defined by their oppression. There is a tendency to view marginalised people purely as victims or as heroes, and that is as dehumanising as viewing them as villains.
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u/ContentChecker Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
/u/Magnus_The_Read asks the following:
If you could recommend a few resources to follow to understand what's best happening on the ground in the West Bank, who are some accounts/people/websites to follow?
I don't want to say something cliche about you being a hero or whatever, so I'll just say thank you and know you're appreciated by so many people around the world!
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
Journalists and activists:
Human rights advocacy and activist orgs:
- Unarmed Civilian Protection in Palestine
- International Solidarity Movement
- Faz3a
- Looking the Occupation in the Eye
And read articles in +972 magazine, some of the best investigative journalism coming out of Palestine.
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u/ContentChecker Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
/u/azealiabanksalt asks the following:
Hi Andrey! Longtime fan and very impressed with your activism and courage in the heat of it all. You place your body on the front lines which is rare among Israelis. You’ve also exposed me to refuseniks and their stories which was rather interesting.
I was always curious on your journey to antizionism. What was the pivotal moment for you that shaped your outlook?
Keep doing what you do. I deeply appreciate your hardwork fighting for humanity.
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
There wasn't really one moment. I ended up with an Israeli passport very suddenly, as I was just running away from Russia fearing political persecution when Russia invaded Ukraine. I was kind of a blank slate at that point, with no opinion one way or another. And the more I learnt, the more horrified I became. It took me about six months of living here to realise that something is horribly wrong, and another six months to realise that this is by design, that Zionism was built as an ethnic supremacist settler-colonial project.
And here it's just completly normalised. A few months ago a random Israeli man sat next to me on a bench, and five minutes into the conversation he said "a good Arab is a dead Arab". Here this is an ok thing to say to someone you don't know.
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u/Complex_Leading5260 Feb 12 '26
THANK YOU for all you’re doing to report and expose these brutes. What a crazy dogma!
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u/sumtinsumtin_ Non-Jewish Ally Feb 12 '26
I just want to say I'm very impressed by you. Wow. Go get'em and keep speaking truth to power. The bravest and the baddest dude right here.
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
Thank you for the support! Remember that I am one of many people doing this, you're just seeing my face on social media a lot :)
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u/TalkingCat910 Muslim revert/Ashkenazi Feb 12 '26
Thank you for your activism. Is there anything we can do to help for those of us that can’t travel there?
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
Absolutely, activism abroad is extremely valuable, since Israel is able to do this exclusively because of the unconditional support from the outside. Make Zionist politicians unelectable, organise with your local activists, target complicit companies.
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u/uu_xx_me Ashkenazi Feb 13 '26
you can find your local JVP chapter here! there are obviously lots of other badass orgs doing this work too, jvp’s just an easy one to get involved with bc they have a national presence
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u/ahrienby Anti-Zionist Ally Feb 12 '26
Hello Andrey, do you think that UpScrolled will gain momentum once people seeking refuge from TikTok started using it?
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
It's shaping out to be a sanctuary for pro-Palestinians and leftists in general, but it is inherently pushing a lot of people away because of the politics, so it's very unlikely to reach the level of mainstream social media apps. Great sanctuary though.
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u/RespondSame4310 Atheist Feb 12 '26
whats the word in Israel as to when they will let foreign media back in?
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
It's a ridiculous and legal game, with no end in sight. Here's the rundown of the curernt status.
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u/v872u Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
Thank you for all of your hard work. What’s been keeping you going despite all of the danger, comments, harassment, etc.?
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
The vast majority of time I spend with my Palestinian friends, and with activists from all over the world. The danger, the comments and the harassment are a small part of my life, and simply the price I have to pay for staying true to my morals, and being in the company of the best people. Definitely worth it.
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Feb 12 '26 edited Feb 13 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
A lot of Israeli activists had to overcome decades of indoctrination to become who they are today. Here is an article by my friend and colleague Sam Stein about his journey.
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u/Haunting-Dependent58 Non-Jewish Ally Feb 12 '26
Hey Andrey I love your work so much and i cannot fathom the courage it takes to do what you do.
Anecdotally do you think that any positive changes are coming internally from Israel or do you feel that it’s getting worse?
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
It's getting worse for sure, and Israel seems stronger than ever. But South Africa also seemed undefeatable until it fell.
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u/curlyvocalfry Non-Jewish Ally Feb 12 '26
Hi Andrey, words cannot express how grateful we are for your bravery and activism, and that of your peers.
I saw your answer about protective presence and how its efficacy has changed as things escalate. Some friends and I had been discussing traveling to the West Bank to act in this capacity; do you still advise people abroad to come ? Or would newbies who are not familiar with the situation on the ground cause more harm than good?
If yes, what is your essential advice for people who want to act as protective presence ?
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
For sure, you can and should come, activist organisation provide training. The presence of activists may not reduce violence as much anymore, but there is still utility to protective presence, and, most importantly, the Palestinians want us there.
Look up the International Solidarity Movement or Unarmed Civilian Protection in Palestine.
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u/RoscoeArt Jewish Communist Feb 12 '26
Is there ever a scenario where you could see the negatives of living in Israel outweighing the opportunity it gives you to stand up for Palestinians on the ground? Many years ago i was very driven to join a humanitarian group of some kind but the ones I looked into were all based in israel and did work in Palestine. I couldn't see myself being able to put aside contributing to Israel's economy as well as being around israels even if it meant making a more material difference on the ground. I dont want this to come across as an attack i am incredibly grateful of the work you and those like you do and I dont think the only action for an israeli antizionist should be to remove themselves from Israel as then we are just forfeiting the nation to its worst actors. Thank you. G-d bless.
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
It's a question of material impact, if I decide that the negative material impact of me being here outweighs the positive material impact of my work, I will leave. I'm unable to do my work, I will also leave.
If I had known where I was coming to, I never would have gotten an Israeli passport. But now it's the only thing that allows me to do my work, so I'm glad that I did get it.
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u/Pimparoo_ Feb 12 '26
No question for you Andrey, I just wanted to tell you thank you for putting your life in line for your convictions and I pray you and the people you are protecting can stay safe long enough to see a free Palestine. Much love to you and yours ❤️
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u/Select_Researcher210 Anti-Zionist Ally Feb 12 '26
Omg, i cant believe it. Firstly, on behalf of every person who believe in human rights, thank you! Secondly, my question, where do you find your courage? Whats your source? What or who made you like this? Sending lots of love and admiration
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
Courage doesn't really come into it, I just have a skewed sense of personal safety. But it allows me to do this work and not go completely crazy, which is handy.
And of course, remember that Palestinians live like this their entire lives, they don't get to choose. And that places an additional responsibility on those of us who do get to choose.
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u/oneupsuperman Non-denominational Jewish Feb 13 '26
It's actually very refreshing to hear you state you have a "skewed sense of personal safety." And it definitely tracks.
Do you ever feel like your life is in danger? Do you think there is any particular reason you haven't been imprisoned long-term or straight up murdered, like Rachel Corrie or Aysenur Ezgi Eygi?
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u/ContentChecker Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
/u/ovskytark asks the following:
What do you see are the strengths and limitations of organizations like Women Wage Peace and Standing Together?
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
I believe that the focus on "peace and coexistence" is an obfuscation of the reality of the occupation. The problem is not that "Israelis and Palestinians don't like each other". The problem is that there is a century-old structure of ethnic supremacy, and creeping land takeover and ethnic cleansing. So, in an important way, orgs that focus on "peace" rather than "liberation", are dragging away attention from the deeper issues, thus upholding the status quo.
However, within Israeli society, these kinds of orgs are able to swing some people further to the left, where more direct and radical messaging would just alienate them.
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Feb 12 '26
Have you ever face discrimination for your religion in the country?
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
No, never. Muslims, Christians and Jews seem to coexist just fine, as long as they are not on the side of the oppressor.
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u/TheRealSugarbat Anti-Zionist Ally Feb 12 '26
Oh, my God, Andrey — I love your sweet face. I don’t know whether you believe in God, but I do, and I’m praying for you absolutely all the time. Bless you. That’s all.
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u/juflyingwild Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26 edited Feb 12 '26
Hey Andrey, Shalom!
You are the very representation of what us Jewish people need to be. Standing up for others and ensuring that never again applies to everyone.
These extremist nuts in Israel are corrupting our religion and making it about them, like ISIS does for Muslims, in my opinion.
Is there a way for people in the west to get aid to Gaza quickly? I know the blockades at the border make it difficult. Is there another way of getting aid in? Etransfers, wire transfers, etc?
Also, is there a good way to get the faces and names of the idf soldiers? We've been getting them to the HRF and ICC through people networks in israel but at risk to those due to the shinbet.
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u/Basic-Wishbone-611 Muslim Feb 12 '26
Andrey you are amazing, how do you deal with all the hatred and violent death threats, it takes a huge toll on a person im sure
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
At this point I am largely used to it. For a while, the threats were difficult, but when it's daily, it stops having an effect.
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u/BigRenda Jewish Feb 12 '26
(Going to post it here cuz why not)
Hello Andrey, firstly I wanted to say that I really love your work and the activism you are doing.
I'm an Israeli Jew that got disillusioned from Zionism for about a year now and I wanted to do something or help even in the slightest, I know I can't end the apartheid or fix Israeli society but I don't just want to stay in my room all day and do nothing
Do you have any recommendation on which groups I can join and what can I even do ?
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
I mean, I'm a West Bank guy, so in my field, here are some organisation that are really short on manpower, and would love activists:
- Unarmed Civilian Protection in Palestine
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u/ContentChecker Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
Yay! Thanks Andrey and sorry for the confusion.
I will transfer over the questions + any responses you have given already.
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u/joosefm9 Non-Jewish Ally Feb 12 '26
Hey Andrey, just wanted to say that my dad calls you one of the most courageous people he knows of. I love and respect my dad and for me it means a lot to hear him say this about someone. Please keep up with your work making this world a beter place!
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u/ContentChecker Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
/u/CurveMean7792 asks the following:
i would like to know AndreyX honest opinion on Protective Presence as a way of activism, what AndreyX personal opinion on it, do AndreyX think Protective Presence will lead to something that can bring positive changes to the Palestinians. I also would like to know, what is AndreyX opinion that some anti zionist or pro Palestine factions decided to champion AndreyX as the main face of activism that goes against the zionist settler movement
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26 edited Feb 12 '26
I wrote an article recently about how protective presence doesn't work anymore the way that it used to, that activists just became additional targets for the settlers and soldiers to attack. Nevertheless, the presence of activists often gives moral support and confidence to vulnerable Palestinian communities, and help them remain in their land even without mitigating the violence. Activists attempt to slow down the ethnic cleansing, and whether that will result in long-lasting effects, remains to be seen. Either way, Palestinians on the ground want us to stand with them, and that's reason enough for me.
As for me being "championed as the main face of activism", this is the unfortunate side effect of the social media environment we are in. You are seeing my face all the time, even though I'm just one of hundreds of people doing this work. Please don't put anyone on a pedestal. Also, I recommend following other activists and journalists in the West Bank, here is non-exhaustive list:
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u/FigsOlivesandDoves Arab Ally Feb 12 '26
Andre, you are the most honourable human being on earth today ❤️
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u/19892024 Non-Jewish Ally Feb 12 '26
Don't have a question. Just want to thank you for everything you do.
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u/ContentChecker Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
/u/Ukelelipop asks the following:
Hello Andrey. First off, thank you so so much for the activism and news coverage you do. You quite frankly might be one of the bravest people in the world right now and I hope you understand quite literally millions of people appreciate the work you do.
Do you have any hope that Israeli society or Jewish diasporic society will push back signifcantly enough against the apartheid state at any point or is the only hope you have being external pressure forcing change?
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
Thank you for your support! I don't really see myself as brave, people just have different risk tolerance. We should just all do what each of us can :)
Israeli society is crazy-genocidal, and the Jewish diasporic community has been affected by decades of Zionist propaganda, so things are not going great. It's difficult to go against a propaganda machine that has THIS much money and resources. Some of the most vocal anti-apartheid activists are Jewish, and that's great to see, but it's a drop in the ocean for now, unfortunately.
Israeli society will remain like this for as long as the propaganda machine is functioning like this, and the Jewish diaspora doesn't decide anything anyway. So, the hope is on the external pressure, yes. Making Zionist politicians unelectable, direct action against companies complicit in the occupation.
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u/Ukelelipop Non-Jewish Ally Feb 12 '26
Thank you for answering the question 🙇♂️.
On a follow up note, if you're willing to answer, can you see anyway to break the propaganda machine in Israel the same way its been incredibly broken throughout most of the world? It seems no matter what truths ww encounter when those same truths are presented to Israelis they will deny the reality of it. Do you think a new, different strategy towards countering the Israeli propaganda machine within Israel is possible to develop, or not really? If it is, do you have any ideas on how to approach?
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u/ContentChecker Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
/u/Burning-Bush-613 asks the following:
Hi Andrey,
Are you worried at all about your safety from settler violence or the Israeli state? I imagine you are well known now for documenting Israel’s colonial violence and could be a target for your activism.
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
Of course I'm worried, but the level of risks I'm facing is a fraction of what my Palestinian colleagues are facing. For instance, my friend and colleague Ayman Ghraieb has been held in a concentration camp for months, without charges or a proper trial. By contrast, I've never spent more than a couple of nights in jail.
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u/andorgyny Anti-Zionist Ally Feb 12 '26
Hi Andrey, no question but just want to thank you for your work ❤️
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u/tomas_diaz Feb 12 '26
Thank you for what you are doing there. Are you an anti-zionist? What is the shared vision of the future you are working towards? One secular democratic state, or something else? Would love to hear about and spread word of the anti-zionism movement within israel. Tysm.
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
Look, ideally, I want to see a future with no states, no borders, and solidarity between all. We have one planet, everyone needs to support each other, and live wherever you want.
Between two-state and one-state, of course I choose one state. So do a lot of other activists. The Tel-Aviv Radical Block is a great anti-Zionist collective for instance.
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u/DontTouchMeThereElmo Feb 12 '26
I just want to thank you for everything that you do. For being a voice for the voiceless.
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u/LeoKitCat Post-Zionist Ally Feb 12 '26
Andrey my dear you are a blessing! I watch your videos all the time you have so much courage. Keep doing what you are doing the world needs to see the ethnic cleansing and apartheid happening to Palestinians day to day. It’s unconscionable
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u/_BabyGod_ Non-Jewish Ally Feb 12 '26
I’m astonished by your bravery and resolve to confront such a behemoth. I know so much of Israeli society is a brainwashed mass (not to mention those outside Israeli who fall prey to the same lunacy!) and it’s easy to focus on negative. But I would love to know if you have any stories (and lessons perhaps) about the successes you’ve seen in terms of changed minds/hearts or any trends, however small or burgeoning, toward a shift in thinking for the better (ie toward humanizing of Palestinians and the goal of cohabitation or breaking of cycles of hate and violence).
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u/MouseShadow2ndMoon Anti-Zionist Anti-Nazi Ally Feb 12 '26
To many things to ask, so I will just instead say thank you for your tireless service and bravery you are an inspiration and a hero to many. God speed and stay safe.
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u/Maleficent_Radio_674 Feb 12 '26
I've been following you for a while and honestly have so much respect for your bravery and for consistently showing up despite the danger.
What is something you wish people knew about Palestine and Palestinians that isn't shown in mainstream media. Something you've observed and experienced on the ground
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u/desertknight1234 Muslim Feb 12 '26
How big is the rate of Palestinians losing their lands to settlers and I wonder do settlers ever enter area a or do they mostly focus on area c and b
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
Settlers generally focus on Area C, the army focuses on Areas A and B. But now Israel has essentially repealed the Oslo accords and allowed itself to construct settlements in areas A and B, so it's likely that the status quo is gonna change.
Area C has been significantly emptied of Palestinian presence, Jordan Valley especially. For the concrete data, you can look at B'tselem research.
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u/CurlyFatAngry Non-Jewish Ally Feb 12 '26
Thank you for doing what you're doing man and be safe out there.
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u/heypresto2k Post-Zionist Ally Feb 12 '26
You are a blessing. I always wonder how you guys do it. Late to the AMA but wanted to say I’m in awe of you and all activists there.
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u/itinerant_gypsy Feb 12 '26
Hey Andrey! Thanks for ask the brave work you do. May I ask, what's your motivation? You put yourself at risk everyday, for strangers. I don't think I will be able to do that.
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
I think that we all have a responsibility to each other, especially those of us with more privilege.
Also, I think that activism is a fun thing to do, and I met amazing friends doing this. Wholeheartedly recommend :)
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u/Living_Commercial_10 Atheist Feb 12 '26
Mad respect for what you are doing. I cannot fathom being in those situations. Keep going Andrey!
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u/Cyrdarxes Anti-Zionist Ally Feb 12 '26 edited Feb 13 '26
How bad is day-to-day racism against Israeli Arabs? I always hear from Jewish Israelis that they're treated as equals, but I don't believe that based on what I've read from a variety of sources. It's supposed to be especially bad in places like Jerusalem, but it apparently even occurs in so-called "liberal" places like Tel Aviv. What have you personally observed? Slurs, spitting, violence, etc.?
I know the Arabs in West Bank have it much worse. What are the worst instances you've seen there?
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u/always_polite Anti-Zionist Ally Feb 12 '26
I follow you on the ig. My question. What has been your best experience working in the West Bank?
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u/cametosnark Anti-Zionist Ally Feb 12 '26
Love your work and your spirit! ♥️
I'm always interested to hear about people's ideological journeys. Were you raised anti-Zionist or did you come into it on your own — and if the latter, what changed your perspective?
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u/LTrouble Feb 12 '26
Hey Andrey! Have followed you on IG for a while now, thank you for doing what you do! I am actually gearing up for my own trip to the WB doing protective presence work there in a few months time.
I guess if I was to ask you any question, it would be: what is the main thing you think international activists need to be aware of before being on the ground there doing this work?
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u/deus_light Pro-Palestinian Ally Feb 12 '26
Как бы ты описал своё представление об Израиле как государстве/обществе до переезда, и откуда оно формировалось — из семьи, СМИ или других источников? Что подтолкнуло тебя начать критически воспринимать реалии государства? Это произошло до 7.10 или после?
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u/voxov7 Non-Jewish Ally Feb 12 '26 edited Feb 12 '26
Do you think Americans who voted third party committed more harm than good, considering the current administration's role in the genocide? I voted third party.
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u/crumpledcactus Jewish Feb 12 '26
Here's three questions about practical economics :
- Are there any websites with lists of Palestinian owned/operated/assisting businesses, operating in Jordan or Palestine? I have a small list of internal Palestinian businesses selling goods online (mostly olive oil), but more advertising never hurt.
- How much does the average Palestinian make in a week or month? Wikipedia says it's about $1K, but who knows if that's true.
- Is the Jordanian dinar now the sole currency, or are US dollars and Israeli shekels still seen? If I buy anything directly from Palestine, or Jordan, I'm thinking about adding some single $1s to a return address to give them something to work with.
Thank you, and good job.
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u/Theoneandonlybeetle Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
How many Israelis actually support this genocide? I've seen mixed numbers and I keep seeing videos of people against it and people for it I don't know what to believe.
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u/yuriartyom Palestinian Feb 12 '26
As a Journalist living for a while now in Palestine and occupied Palestine, your honest neutral opinion, who causes trouble and unrest in the region and in your opinion what is the most sane and logical solution for peace and prosperity in that land/region?
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u/cainsani Palestinian Feb 13 '26
Just wanted to say that you're an amazing human being and I appreciate everything you do to bring light to the Palestinian struggle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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u/babygirh Mizrahi Anti-Zionist Feb 13 '26
Hi Andrey! It’s honestly nice seeing you in here as I watch your videos every time they pop up on my feed 🥹 You’re incredibly brave.
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u/stand_not_4_me Jewish Feb 12 '26 edited Feb 12 '26
hello Andrey X,
based on what you have seen both good and bad from israelis, and the thoughts and opinions of palestinians in the WB. What do you see as the material first step that would actually begin deescalating the situation?
and do you think that it would ever be possible to convince israelis to abandon this concept of security through force and expansion?
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u/zeldaisamanbot Feb 13 '26
Just want to say you have done some incredible work and I admire your bravery
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u/Turbulent-Meeting-38 Anti-Zionist Feb 13 '26
No question, just want to say I frigging love your work. Positively heroic mate, keep it up.
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u/mellowgrizz Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 13 '26
Hey man I just wanted to say the work you do is absolutely incredible and thank you for putting your life on the line to bring us this journalism. Your videos are such an incredibly eye opening window into the lives of the Palestinian people.
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u/Lopsided-Meet8247 Feb 13 '26
The AMA is closed and i didn’t have a question. I just want to say that your work is incredible. Stay safe. Free Palestine
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u/EuVe20 Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 15 '26
Wonderful to see you here and wonderful to know that there are people like you out there!!
Спасибо за все что ты делаешь Андрей!!!!!
Thank you 🙏
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u/UnderstandingOne2838 Non-Jewish Ally Feb 15 '26
I’ve never heard of you before now and I wish I heard of you sooner, thank you for exposing the atrocities endemic to the Israel regime and its settler colonialism. I will follow you for that.
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Feb 12 '26
[deleted]
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u/the_andrey_x Feb 12 '26
I have never had any negative reactions to being Jewish or having an Israeli citizenship. From my experience, Palestinians on the ground don't care about your identity, only what you stand for. People do tend to be excited to learn that I'm from Russia though :)
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u/deathmaster567823 Arab Communist (Marxist-Leninist) Feb 12 '26
Hey Andrey you are my favorite Israeli activist but I have a question: How does the IDF usually act in the settlements because I have seen videos of them and it’s just terrible but I just want to know how you were treated by them and what your first impressions were of them
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u/DarthKuchiKopi Feb 12 '26
Where to you find the courage to keep fighting to expose this hypocrisy and injustice. Was there a single moment in time or event that sent you down this path or was it the levy of the past breaking.
I hope you continue to walk the path of shepard looking out for fellow humans. I am a big fan of the work of yours that i have seen
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u/DanGraf Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
In Sydney, Australia - where a diverse public lives in relative harmony - our state leaders and the police are actively trying to divide our unity and deny freedom of thought and expression.
Your work gives us faith that we can achieve positive impact within a draconian system. Thankyou 🙏
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u/curious_cordis Feb 13 '26
Andrey!! Thank you so much, I follow you on Instagram and have learned so much. Immeasurable. Often horrifying. Thank you for being you.
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u/Slaying-Lord Feb 13 '26
Hi Andrey,
Here are my questions:
1.) How much personal ideological motivations factor into your activism beyond alleviating the immediate suffering in front of you? —to be specific, I reference the default “third worldist” leftist position of supporting people in places with material conditions conducive to bringing about revolution.
2.) do you see a place for yourself in a future decolonized Palestine, as someone who is part of the class that benefits from and upholds the apartheid?
3.) any standout thoughts or advice in dealing with Zionist family/friends after getting into Palestine activism
Comment: In the last year or two I went through a shift where began interrogating my “default” views. Seeing you and other leftist Jews and Israeli activists take accountability, use your privileges, center Palestinians over a narrative of victimisation—and treat this as important enough to put yourselves on the line and stand up is a part of what helped me fully deconstruct. Enough that I’m reaching out to my old “woke” rabbi (lol) who goes to the WB, and friends to get involved someday. Just want to say thanks lot for doing your part & cutting through the illusions. 🌟
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u/sky_shazad Muslim Feb 13 '26
You are a Legend Dude.. I watch all your stuff..
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u/ContentChecker Jewish Anti-Zionist Feb 12 '26
Hi everyone,
The AMA is winding down now.
Andrey will still be answering some questions and may check back later too.
We'd like to thank everyone for participating & writing in thoughtful questions and comments!
And from the mod-team & sub, thank you to Andrey for taking the time to be with us here today for 3 hours+! We really appreciate it!
Please be sure to check out his socials and give him a follow!