Jeff Halper is an Israeli-American anthropologist, author, lecturer, and political activist who has been a resident of Israel since 1973. As the Director of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD) and a co-founder of The One Democratic State Campaign (ODSC), Halper plays a pivotal role in advocating for Palestinian rights and challenging Israeli policies regarding home demolitions. His work emphasizes nonviolent strategies for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and promoting a just peace for both peoples.
Halper has authored several influential books on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, drawing attention to what he describes as an apartheid system and a deliberate campaign to “judaize” the occupied territories. He is a vocal supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, advocating for international solidarity with Palestinians and highlighting the urgent need for structural change in Israeli policies.
In 1997, he co-founded ICAHD to resist the demolition of Palestinian homes and to rebuild them as acts of political resistance. This initiative has seen the successful reconstruction of 189 homes, fostering collaboration between Israelis, Palestinians, and international volunteers. His contributions to peacebuilding were recognized when he was nominated for the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize alongside Palestinian activist Ghassan Andoni.
In 2013, Halper initiated The People Yes! Network, aimed at connecting left and progressive groups globally to coordinate efforts around critical issues. The network aspires to create a just, inclusive, and sustainable world system, mobilizing activists to build a global movement for transformative change. Through his extensive work, Halper remains a dedicated advocate for equality and human rights, striving to bridge divides and foster understanding.
