Settlement Leader Blames 'Anarchist Youth' for International Backlash
Oded Revivi, Director-General of the Museum of the Jewish People and former head of foreign relations for the Yesha Council, has sharply criticized what he terms 'anarchist youth' who he claims are damaging the settlement movement's international standing. Revivi argues that actions by these young individuals, who he describes as "brazen" and driving in trucks on Shabbat "in the name of love for the land," are directly responsible for negative international responses, including potential British sanctions against the settlement enterprise. He contends that these actions have shifted the focus from potential annexation and recognition to a struggle for survival and the threat of boycotts.
Revivi contrasts the destructive actions of these youth with the positive impact of organized delegations he hosted from the European Union in Gush Etzion. He recounts how these visitors, initially expecting a war zone, were surprised to witness coexistence, shared industrial zones, and joint shopping areas between Israelis and Palestinians. These experiences, he believes, helped to dispel negative stereotypes and fostered questions about the prevailing narratives they had encountered through their national media.
He asserts that these "anarchist" youths, who he claims lack genuine love for the land and settlement enterprise, are undermining decades of constructive work. Revivi emphasizes that true love for the land does not involve destruction and that those who genuinely support settlements build, rather than damage, the image and connections forged over years, including those with figures like former US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. He calls for a collective effort from various Israeli systems, including welfare, education, local government, police, and the Shin Bet, to expel these individuals from the settlement movement, stating they are not part of it.
Revivi concludes by urging these young people to reflect on the damage they have caused and calls for self-examination within the settlement leadership to effectively counter their destructive influence. He stresses that settlement building must be based on rules, values, and love for the people, land, and state, not on anarchy or a "might makes right" mentality.
