CHALLENGE is a bi-monthly leftist magazine focusing
on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within a global context. Published
in Jaffa by Arabs and Jews, it features political analysis, investigative
reporting, interviews, eye-witness reports, gender studies, arts, and more.
CHALLENGE had its start in the first Intifada, continued
through the Oslo process, and now it elucidates the turbulence following
the collapse of negotiations. For the last twelve years we have offered
our readers an uncompromising analysis of events. We pointed out the flaws
of the Madrid-Oslo process from its very beginning. We didn’t "fall into
line" during the rule of Labor (1992-1996), and we do not hold our tongues
when the Palestinian Authority violates human rights.
(See "The
Trouble With Oslo".)
CHALLENGE is one of the very few sources in English focusing
on the problems of Arabs in Israel. We cover such issues as the plight
of local Arab workers amid the forces of globalization, the struggles of
unrecognized Arab villages, and land confiscation.
On the second Intifada: Challenge has taken a critical
position. Although we regard the Israeli Occupation as the basic reason
for the havoc in the Territories, we have also claimed consistently that
the second Intifada lacks a coherent goal or strategy. We see it as a power
struggle between the old and new guard of the PLO, with the Palestinian
people as its primary victim. Through its early months, we warned of the
coming chaos. Now we watch with horror as the violence escalates, both
through the terror of the state (Israel) and the individual terror of Palestinians.
The fighting forces and the suicide bombers do not represent a progressive
and viable leadership for the future. Our analysis, critical of both sides,
is by no means easy to publish amid the bloodshed and cries for vengeance.
On September 11: Challenge has published a special supplement
called "Afghan
Boomerang" (# 70). This was also published in Arabic (al-Sabar) and
Hebrew (Etgar). It has created a lot of local and international interest.
So far it has been translated into German, Italian and Spanish.
On Conscientious Objection: Since September 2001, Challenge has
given special coverage and support to the movement of refusal to serve
in the army. Our last three editions have carried substantial material
on the subject. (See, for example, Bread
and Conscience (#72).)
