LFI’s Voices for Change project gives those in Israel striving for democratic values, social justice and peace the opportunity to share their challenges, hopes and achievements.
Like almost every democracy today, Israel wrestles with polarisation and populism, and threats to its democratic values and institutions. In the Israeli case, these challenges are exacerbated by the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the devastating attack of 7 October 2023.
Yet countless activists and organisations work tirelessly each day to change Israel for the better, standing up to the dangers of extremism and working to unite rather than divide. Drowned out by an international focus on Israel’s leaders and the tragic conflict in the Gaza Strip, their voices are barely heard outside Israel.
At the same time, we must never forget that while its democracy is, like our own, imperfect, Israel is the region’s only democracy. The only state where the rule of law and the freedom of the press and the independence of the judiciary are upheld. And where civic society – from trade unions to feminist groups and LGBT, peace and environmental activists – can argue, and campaign, for change.
Our Voices for Change come from different backgrounds and work in different fields. But they share a commitment to the values of equality, democracy and peace envisaged in Israel’s Declaration of Independence.
They are working to advance the status of Arab citizens of Israel and a peaceful end to the Palestinian conflict; defend the values of liberal democracy and the rights of Israeli workers whether Jewish or Arab; and promote gender and sexual equality and a vision of cooperation with Arab states.
LFI supports a negotiated two-state solution for two peoples; with Israel safe, secure and recognised within its borders; living alongside a viable, democratic and independent Palestinian state. We support political, economic and civic society initiatives to further the cause of peace and a two-state solution. We advocate for peacebuilders in both Israel and Palestine in their work to achieve these vital goals.
We work to strengthen bridges with political parties in Israel that share Labour values, and we foster a special relationship with The Democrats, a merger of Labour’s sister parties, the Israeli Labor and Meretz parties.
And we stand in solidarity with all those Israelis – Jew and non-Jew – advancing our shared values of equality, democracy and peace.
These dedicated activists come from every sector of Israeli society, and use all available democratic means to fulfil their vision for a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Israel and Middle East region.
LFI believes the change the world wants to see in Israel and Palestine is already underway, led by extraordinarily courageous civil society activists. At this lowest ebb of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and at a time when peace seems at its most distant, the Voices for Change project represents a hopeful mosaic of voices pushing back against the empty politics of division and fear.
We call on you to hear and share their stories, and give them support however you can.
