A public health perspective on ethics, social justice and organizing in response to the occupation of Palestinian lands

Social justice goals are regularly in conflict with one’s government’s or employer’s authority, rules, culture and tradition. Serious public health practitioners often find themselves responding to injustice, stimulated by their belief that social justice and human rights are foundational to a healthy society.  Effective responses can require courage, strategy, one’s unique skills and a willingness to use one’s employment situation (universities, health departments, prisons, clinics, etc.) in the pursuit of justice.

We apply these concepts to explain a range of non-violent strategies employed by health advocates over the last decade to call attention to and undermine Israel’s military occupation of land assigned to Palestinians by the UN. We will explore both ethical and professional arguments for and against health workers activist involvement in activities such as lobbying, demonstrations, boycotts, economic divestment campaigns, teaching, specialized research, mobilization of public and professional opinion, clinical assistance, and study tours of the Occupation.