Civil disobedience is the active, express refusal to obey certain laws, demands, orders or commands of a government.1 Its primary goal, however, is to threaten ‘business as usual’, until demands are met.2 It acts as a public rejection of institutional authority– a settler colonial government which actively supports and condones the genocide of Palestinians.
Though snap calls to action may be public, civil disobedience is not organised through public channels to ensure that efforts are not prematurely thwarted by law enforcement or other infiltrators.
IMPORTANT: Before participating, take the time to inform yourself about safety, privacy and rights concerns associated with demonstrations.
Follow these action groups to stay informed about civil disobedience efforts.
Action Groups #
IMPORTANT: Contact these organisations to find out how you can get involved.
Fight Together For Justice #
A group of activists working to support people seeking asylum in their fight for permanency, justice and liberation. Our vision is a world without borders: Instagram
Disrupt Wars | Wage Peace #
Disrupting war and militarism in Oceania. Active solidarity. Radical practice: Instagram
AKA.WACA | Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance #
WACA is a grassroots alliance supporting communities to campaign to end war, defend human, environmental rights and confront corporate corruption: Instagram
Examples Of Civil Disobedience #
Occupation Of Defence Minister’s Office (Geelong, Australia) #
November 1st 2023
Anti-zionist Jewish activists, in coalition with Aboriginal and other activist communities, secured themselves by their necks in the office’s reception using bicycle locks, demanding that the defence minister, Richard Marles, and the labour government withdraw political, economic and military support for israel. Others blockaded the office’s main entrance and raised banners reading “Stop The Genocide”, “Not In Our Name”, “Disarm Israel”, and “ALP Supports Ethnic Cleansing”.
- Media Release: Segments
- Media Coverage: SBS | Guardian | News.com.au
- Photography and Footage: @loudjewcollective| @blackpeoplesunion
No More Bodies In Gaza (Australia) #
November 15th 2023
A coalition of activists created effigies of fake dead bodies, shrouded in white blood-stained cloth, to represent the number of Gazans killed per hour by israeli occupation forces. They laid these effigies in front of the offices of 7 labour MPs, including deputy prime minister Richard Marles, immigration minister Andrew Giles and government services minister Bill Shorten.
- Media Release: Full Statement
- Media Coverage: The Age | 9 News | news.com
- Photography and Footage: @nomorebodiesingaza
Block The Boat (Port Of Oakland) #
November 3rd 2023
A coalition of activists, organised by the Arab Resource Organising Centre, blocked the dock of a shipping container loaded with military equipment for israel. Some activists climbed onto the ship with the help of dock workers, chained themselves to a ladder and successfully blocked the ship from leaving until authorities removed them hours later.
- Media Release: Call to Action Statement
- Media Coverage: CBS | India Today | People’s World
- Photography and Footage: @aorc_bayarea
Block Bay Bridge (San Francisco - Oakland) #
November 16 2023
A coalition of activists blocked the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge in response to Biden’s visit during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit to demand a permanent ceasefire. Activists created a blockade with their cars and bodies, some even throwing their keys over the bridge and successfully blocking all traffic coming into San Francisco via the bridge during peak hour traffic.
Notes #
Activist Handbook. <https://activisthandbook.org/tactics/civil-disobedience?s=07> Accessed 27/12/23. ↩︎
CrimethInc. <https://ia802708.us.archive.org/19/items/ACiviliansGuideToDirectAction/direct_action_guide.pdf> Accessed 27/12/23. ↩︎