After two years of war, death and destruction, MAAN sees the possibility of a durable ceasefire for Gaza that should be a corridor to a broader effort towards reconstruction and peace.
In the report that MAAN presents here, we shed light on the crucial issue of the plight of Palestinian workers who were employed in Israel until the outbreak of war in October 2023, bringing the issue to the forefront of public discourse.
As a labor organization, MAAN has long represented Palestinian workers, advocating on their behalf with both employers and the Israeli authorities. MAAN rejected Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th. At the same time we opposed the extreme forces in Israel who colored all Palestinians as culprits and aimed at creating an endless war.
Since day one MAAN stood out as the most prominent—and in fact, the only—organization to speak out publicly against the collective punishment that Israel forced upon workers. We called unequivocally, for the reinstatement of Palestinian workers in the Israeli labor market.
This report summarizes two years of tracking developments, outlining the impact on the workers themselves as well as on the economies of both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. It highlights the tragic reality of Palestinian workers who, despite playing a key economic and social role in their society, remain unrepresented and largely absent from public discourse.
MAAN is an Israeli labor union with a unique role in the country’s labor relations landscape. We represent and unify both Israeli and Palestinian workers on the basis of full equality. Since our founding on May 2000, we have upheld the principle of building a union free of discrimination—whether based on nationality, religion, race, or gender.
At MAAN, we understand that the struggle of workers cannot be separated from the larger search for a peaceful solution. Our fight against racism and extremism in Israel will remain limited as long as the coalition for reinstating Palestinian workers lacks a strong Palestinian partner. Only when such a force takes a leading role can efforts for reinstatement succeed.
Mr. Assaf Adiv, the author of the report, is a longstanding leader of the progressive movement in Israel and Palestine. He serves as the Executive Director of MAAN.
Read the full report
Two workers’ activist speak about MAAN and its role
Raouf Al-Adra: MAAN has truly lived up to its name. From the very first moment of the crossings’ closure and the prevention of workers from entering their workplaces, it has stood by the workers in the Wet Bank, and has taken upon itself the heavy responsibility of supporting us in every possible way — whether through the media, practical assistance, or global and local advocacy for reopening the crossings and offering us help. MAAN has also been keen to closely monitor and help injured and detained workers and what they have gone through.
Badawi Abu Juwaid: I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to MAAN for the its efforts to maintain continuous communication with Palestinian workers inside the Green Line, and for raising their just cause in institutions and the media. MAAN played an active role in helping many workers solve their problems during the war, and in amplifying their voices in local and international forums. As a labor activist, I express my deep appreciation for the union’s sincere efforts to support Palestinian workers and strengthen their rights.
To reach Mr. Adiv or for any other purpose you may contact Yoav Gal Tamir +972-50-7859475 yoavt@maan.org.il
