THE LAST WORD
By Pat Coughlan
Was I so surprised when I saw Bibi on the box giving out legions about the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for both himself and the head of Hamas and a few others. The Irish Times described what he said as “he referred to the ICC prosecutor’s move as a new kind of anti-semitism”.
Meanwhile, Jo-Ann Mort writing in the Guardian said: “Resorting to calling the ruling ‘anti-semitic’, as some Israeli officials – including Netanyahu –have, won’t cut it.”
But we had already said that here in The Kilkenny Observer. We said that we all needed to talk about Israel, but we were afraid to do so for fear of being labelled anti-semetic.
The Palestinian struggle for labour rights in Israel isn’t a minor issue; it’s a major one that’s been brewing for ages. Palestinian workers face many issues, from wages to the role of NGOs and trade unions, all within a context that’s complex.
Palestinians are often stuck in jobs with little to no job security, making it tough to plan for anything beyond the next pay packet. And as for getting a fair crack at work opportunities? Forget about it.
The Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) are the unsung heroes in this saga. These groups are out there, boots on the ground, giving help to Palestinian workers navigate the maze of legalities in Israel. They’re not just about the paperwork; they’re strong advocates, shouting from the rooftops and getting the word out on the global stage about the rough deal these workers are getting.
In Israel, prominent trade unions like Histadrut, founded in 1920, champion the rights of workers, including Palestinians, ensuring they receive legal protections akin to Israeli workers, such as minimum wage and health insurance. The Maan Workers Association focuses on enhancing conditions for Palestinian labourers in construction and agriculture. Despite challenges, including movement restrictions and settlement issues, these organisations are dedicated to improving work conditions and fostering equality for all regional workers.
When Israeli and Palestinian workers join hands, showing the world what solidarity looks like, it’s a breath of fresh air, seeing them stand shoulder to shoulder. These joint efforts are more than just a show; they’re a beacon of hope, lighting the way towards a fairer work environment for all.
What could the government be doing to help out the Palestinian workers? There’s a fair bit they could be doing, like tweaking policies to make sure labour laws are not just something you’d find perchance. They could be enforcing these laws properly, making sure everyone’s getting a square deal. And little international conversation wouldn’t go amiss to ensure all workers are treated fairly, no matter where they’re from.
The struggle for fair rights for Palestinian workers in Israel is a tough battle, but it’s not one they’re walking down alone. With a bit of elbow grease from everyone involved – governments, international bodies, and the workers themselves – there’s a chance for a fairer tomorrow.
It’s the collective push that’ll make all the difference in the end.
