An Israeli artist takes a powerful stand, relinquishing citizenship to condemn atrocities and unveil the hidden truths of the Israeli occupation
Watan-In a powerful act of protest against the genocide committed by the Israeli occupation forces in Gaza and the atrocities that stain humanity, Israeli artist Yael Benyefski has announced her decision to renounce her Israeli citizenship. This bold move comes in the wake of her discovery of the true history of the occupation, distinct from the narrative taught in schools, as she pointedly emphasizes. Benyefski cites Israel’s actions in its war on Gaza as the catalyst for her decision, denouncing the crimes committed by the nation.
Previously, Yael Benyefski had refused to serve in the Israeli occupation army, stating that she was unaware of the Nakba and the true colonial history of Israel until she turned 26 years old.
In a video broadcast by DawnNews English, Benyefski displayed her Israeli passport and exemption from military service card. She revealed that she submitted a request to the Israeli consulate in Toronto last week to formally renounce her Israeli citizenship. This outspoken act by the Israeli artist is likely to stimulate discussions about the ethical responsibilities of individuals in the face of government actions and the broader implications of such decisions.
Israel and the Deception of Peace: Israeli Artist Yael Benyefski Renounces Citizenship
In discussing her decision to renounce her Israeli citizenship, the Israeli artist expressed the gravity of her choice: “It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but it’s something I’ve been contemplating for a long time, ever since the moment I learned the history that was not taught to me in schools.”
Responding to why she is relinquishing her citizenship now, she stated, “It has become clearer than ever that Israel’s goal is not peace but rather deceiving the world, and I don’t know if that was ever on the table.”
DawnNews English reported that the Jewish director, who is anti-Zionist and resides in Toronto, despite being raised in Israel, embarked on a journey marked by her unwavering commitment to her principles. She emphasized that her refusal to serve in the Israeli occupation army had deep roots in a profound realization.
Yuula Benivolski, born in 1980, is a Jewish artist and filmmaker with Canadian citizenship, in addition to the Israeli citizenship she has now renounced. She primarily works in the fields of video films, sculpture, installation, and photography.
Benivolski spent her childhood in the occupied territories near Lebanon, witnessing the Gulf War and two Palestinian uprisings, before immigrating to Canada. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the Ontario College of Art and Design and a Master of Fine Arts from Concordia University in Montreal in 2010. Her journey reflects a complex narrative shaped by personal experiences and a commitment to artistic expression.
