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Tactic: Israelis, Palestinians unite through technology
Written by Talia on June 4, 2008 – 12:19 pm -
Description: Since the deterioration of the Oslo Peace Accords in 2000, business relations between Israelis and Palestinians have been incredibly difficult to sustain, especially in the technology sector. Palestinians need permits to enter Israel, while Israelis are not allow to enter any Palestinian areas. However, a technological advancement created through a business partnership is uniting these two groups in an innovative way.
Tools Being Used: Google Docs, Flickr, Zoho
What Are they Doing: G.ho.st, short for Global Hosted Operating System, was created in 2006 by Israeli and Palestinian venture capitalists to give users a free, Web-based virtual desktop that lets them access their files from any computer with an Internet connection using one sign-in. Instead of recreating the wheel, G.ho.st uses familiar tools like Google Doc and Zoho to organize word documents, spreadsheets, web-conferencing, music, database applications, email and a calendar and Flickr to upload and share photos. Not only does this service make life easier for those of us with busy, computer-hopping lives, but G.ho.st also, in a unique way, provides a “digital” olive branch between the warring factions. In addition, G.ho.st’s charitable foundation provides free or subsidized cyber cafes and technology training in disadvantaged locations for both Palestinians and Israelis.
“We are doing something across cultures and across two sides of a tough conflict,” said Zvi Schreiber, G.ho.st’s chief executive to the New York Times. “I was prepared for the possibility that it might be difficult, but it hasn’t been.”
Tags: israel, palestine
Posted in Mid-East & N. Africa, Tactics | No Comments »
Campaign: Saving Israeli town of Sderot
Written by Mary on April 18, 2008 – 4:06 pm -
Note: We at DigiActive understand that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an extremely sensitive topic. Our goal is to maintain a neutral perspective, highlighting digital activism from both sides without favoritism. However, we will not post content which actively advocates violence against either side. If we have linked to violent content in error, let us know and we will take it down.
Description of Campaign: Sderot is a small town near the Gaza Strip (see map below) which has been the frequent target of Kassam rockets from Palestine. Bloggers are getting together to “save Sderot” by telling the stories of its citizens online.
Digital Activism Tools: Facebook, blog, YouTube
How These Tools Are Being Used: The Sderot Media Center, whose goals is to present the human face behind the news, is using its YouTube channel to provide a window into daily life in Sderot. In addition, videos unrelated to the center have appeared, including one, “Children of Sderot Just Want A Little Peace”, which focuses on the safety of children to Sderot, and “Save the City of Sderot in Israel.”
Blogs, are also being used to raise awareness of Sderot. The international Jewish organization United Jewish Communities has created a blog called Voices from Sderot which also describes daily life in the town.
Finally, Israeli activists are using Facebook to bring together supporters of Sderot. There are over 100 groups about Sderot on Facebook, most with less than 1000 members. The largest, “Stop the Kassam rockets on Sderot!” has over 5,500.
Tags: israel, sderot
Posted in Blogs, Campaigns, Mid-East & N. Africa, Social Networks, Video | No Comments »