Syncopation Against the Occupation: Handling High-Risk Situations as an Activist Street Band in Israel-Palestine
Iris Arieli
This chapter discusses how an activist street band handles high-risk situations in Israel-Palestine. In a reality where violence is normalized, the Kasamba drumline evolved through actions against the military occupation of Palestinian Territories, and specifically in weekly protests of Palestinians, Israelis, and Internationals against the construction of the separation wall. Through the years, as exposure to violence took its toll on the band, members had to learn how to create safe boundaries for themselves, how to care for each other, and what the band as a whole can do to become and remain a safe space for activists. The chapter includes tips for bands facing high-risk situations, and discusses the importance of creativity, support, and solidarity.
Iris Arieli is an activist, artist and teacher in Israel-Palestine. She volunteers at the Coalition of Women for Peace and has played snare drum with Kasamba since 2009. Iris graduated from Hampshire College, where she researched post-traumatic stress in activists.
Iris Arieli
This chapter discusses how an activist street band handles high-risk situations in Israel-Palestine. In a reality where violence is normalized, the Kasamba drumline evolved through actions against the military occupation of Palestinian Territories, and specifically in weekly protests of Palestinians, Israelis, and Internationals against the construction of the separation wall. Through the years, as exposure to violence took its toll on the band, members had to learn how to create safe boundaries for themselves, how to care for each other, and what the band as a whole can do to become and remain a safe space for activists. The chapter includes tips for bands facing high-risk situations, and discusses the importance of creativity, support, and solidarity.
Iris Arieli is an activist, artist and teacher in Israel-Palestine. She volunteers at the Coalition of Women for Peace and has played snare drum with Kasamba since 2009. Iris graduated from Hampshire College, where she researched post-traumatic stress in activists.
