International Solidarity Movement
International Solidarity MovementIsrael news photo: Flash 90

The International Solidarity Movement (ISM), which has been widely accused of perpetrating anti-Israel rhetoric and activities, published a poster on its official Facebook page depicting a woman being raped, as a metaphor for Israel allegedly being “raped” by “settlers.”

“This image is highly offensive and represents the antithesis of tolerance, dialogue and human rights,” said the Jerusalem-based NGO Monitor.

“The poster is a vitriolic, offensive, and highly distorted depiction of Israeli society and the legal process,” explained Prof. Gerald Steinberg, president of NGO Monitor. “By publishing this, the International Solidarity Movement has completely dropped the pretense of promoting human rights and tolerance. This is not the first time that an NGO claiming a human rights agenda has exploited a crude rape image as part of the wider political assault against Israel.”

The poster, which is a takeoff of the film “Deep Throat,” depicts a woman being forcefully pinned down with her mouth held open.

The text, referring to controversy over the Jewish community of Migron exclaims, “If they were residents of Haifa, Be'er Sheva or Ashdod they would be in jail. But they are settlers. So shut up, bend down, swallow, you probably know that you want it!!!”

“Since its inception as the Sheikh Jarah Solidarity Movement [named after a Jerusalem neighborhood characterized by often violent Arab property claims], this NGO has become increasingly inflammatory in its rhetoric and activities,” Steinberg explained.

“Sara Benninga, a leader of the group, has accused Israel of ‘fascism’ and ‘ethnic discrimination against its residents,’ and protesters at rallies hold up signs declaring ‘Apartheid is here,’” Steinberg asserted. “Such language fundamentally contradicts the declared principles of one of its main donors, the New Israel Fund, and demonstrates the urgent need for foundations and governments to closely monitor and hold grantees accountable. 

“Individuals and organizations that claim to promote human rights and liberal values in the context of a broader conversation have a moral obligation to condemn this, and ensure that their funding does not enable such flagrant abuses. Indeed, some Solidarity members have spoken out, but not enough."