Fighting against the Wall: Social Media use by Political Activists in a Palestinian Village

Abstract

We analyze practices of political activists in a Palestinian village located in the West Bank, who organize weekly demonstrations against Israel’s settlement policy and the separation wall. Over a period of 28 months, we conducted a field study consisting of eight days ‘on the ground’ observation and interviewing, and extensive monitoring of Internet communication. We describe the activists’ background and their efforts to organize these demonstrations under conditions of military occupation. Over time, we observe the role both digital and material factors play in the organization of protest.