About Us
Back Issues
Merchandise
Contacts
Listings
WAKE UP!! IT'S YER DOES GROW ON TREES...
The free weekly direct action newsheet published in Brighton since 1994 - Copyleft - Information for Action

R.I.P. Akiva Orr

Akiva Orr, longtime Israeli anti-zionist activist, has passed away aged 81

Akiva Orr, described by many as 'the godfather of Israeli anarchism', has passed away.

Akiva “Aki” Orr was an author, activist, and general anti-Zionist troublemaker who had pursued a radical vision for a democratic one state solution in Palestine and Israel for over 50 years.

Originally a refugee from Berlin in the 1930s, Akiva Orr became politicised during the Israeli governments brutal treatment of striking sailors in Israel during the 1950s. He went on to join the Communist Party and became a radical leftwing activist. As he would explain later “There is no better political education than being attacked by police batons”.

Far too independent to be told what to do by anyone, Aki left the Communist Party to found the Matzpen group in the 1960s. Aki and the Matzpen were radical anti-zionists: they fought for a one state solution and total equality between Israelis and Palestinians. They went much further than other Israeli groups- actually publicly aligning themselves with leftwing Palestinian factions, notably the Palestinian Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP).

Aki was a prolific writer: His writings have been invaluable for foreigners and Israelis alike seeking to understand why their country is so bizarre. Much of his writing concerns the contradictory character of the Israel as a secular but Jewish state, and how Israel's militarism has been a used as a tool of social engineering by the state.

His later writings concerned his support for direct democracy- In his book “Politics Without Politicians” he laid out his vision for an Athenian-style democratic system that would use modern technology to let everyone participate in the political process.

Aki remained active and true to his beliefs right up until the end, and has been an inspiration and a guiding spirit to the current generation of Israeli anarchists.

 

All his works (in English and in Hebrew) are available online for free at http://www.akivaorrbooks.org/

"Matzpen", the documentary (much of which consists of interviews with Akiva Orr) is available here

There are 3 comments on this story...
Added By: Angie - 18th February 2013 @ 3:21 PM
I will forever miss you Mr. Orr. I should have spent more time talking to you on the phone had I known that you will be gone soon. I haven't met you in person but I know you are such a good man. Being a client for over 13 years how can I forget you. You imitating my voice is so funny. The last time I spoke with you, you ssaid you are sick and its just cough, but I didn't know you are ill and obviously its just more than cough. Goodbye Mr. Akiva, as I call you. You will be forever cherish! I just google your name now, I never you have such an outstanding personality.. Bye Mr. Orr
Added By: Garnet - 23rd February 2013 @ 6:53 AM
whats an inspiring discovery. this noble warrior against one of the most insidious and violent groups in history, certainly modern history. His work will continue though his work on this planet is done.

Thank you Akiva Orr.

The Zionists are losing their grip on the minds and of the many who have awakened to the brutality of this shameful crowd. Palestine will be free and prosper. Truth will always be free and prosper. Support the boycotts everywhere.
Added By: Starr - 17th May 2013 @ 9:32 AM
You have the monopoly on uesufl information-aren't monopolies illegal? ;)
Stories about similar subjects...

Despite reports from pro-Israel newspapers to the contrary, race war is not about to break out in front of Brighton's crappiest fizzy drinks seller.

Burin is one of a group of small Palestinian villages near Nablus in the Occupied West Bank. Burin has been having a lot of problems off the local settlers, especially one settlement in particular: Yitzhar, which currently holds the distinction of being the most violent settlement in the West Bank.

State services and employees crippled by Israel's refusal to hand over Palestinian taxes.

As a pro-Palestine speech to Hackney Council is banned, who are UK Lawyers for Israel and what other campaigns have they been waging to silence and criminalise Palestine solidarity activism?

Israeli forces have begun a massive terror campaign against the Gaza Strip

A 13 year old Palestinian was killed in Gaza after being hit by an Israeli helicopter in the never-ending onslaught.

Palestinian Bedouins face systematic ethnic cleansing from the Israeli state in the Naqab/Negev and the Jordan Valley

Four ISM international volunteers under house arrest in Israel after being arrested and beaten by the army.




Twitter: @SchNEWS