Hi,
It seem Occupation Now is the Zeitgeist in Israel, just like Shalom now (Peace Now) was the Zeitgeist of the 1990s here in Israel. When we had the hope of living here in Israel in peace, as part of the Middle East.
The graphic subversion of Israel’s most iconic peace slogan that you could see on every bumper sticker of 1990s Subarus, and transformed into a full-blown lifestyle brand.
What started as a provocative right-wing parody of the classic left-wing “Peace Now” (שלום עכשיו) logo has morphed into a ubiquitous subculture aesthetic. Today, it’s not just a political stance; it’s a sticker on your laptop, a velcro patch on a tactical vest, and a logo on your morning cup of coffee.
I can write a lot about how the designer of this slogan created this brilliant spin off of the Peace now. But I think the real deal here is, is how our mind set in Israel has moved to be right wing.
But not only right wing – but even radical right wing. Back then, the word occupation was used by the left wing. Claiming what is done in the West bank is illegal, and we need to evacuate all the settlement in the West Bank.
Now, nobody talks about the West Bank and what is going on over there (and if you asks – it is war out there). It is Israel back yard, not even one of the 7 frontiers we are fighting in right now.
The occupation the slogan talks about is the occupation in Lebanon. And not only there but also in Syria. And yes also in the West bank. Occupation is not a bad word now days. It is a word that adopted by the right wing. Not a word to be said quietly, but a word that be put out on coffee cups, velcro patches and stickers.
Take Care
Gad
Occupation now sticker
Occupation Now cups – Sinai, West Bank and Jordan
And on a fighting equipment (vest) velcro patch