Practice the change you want to see in the world: Transformative practices of social movements in Israel

This study explores the psychological challenges to social movements in the face of structural and cultural violence, and the cognitive and behavioral practices that help overcome these obstacles. It presents 3 case studies of social movements that brought about political and social transformation in Israel in the past 15 years: the struggles against industrial pollution in the city of Ashkelon; for the rights of the LGBT movement in Jerusalem; and of young Jews and Palestinians working against institutional discrimination in the city of Lydda. The research utilized qualitative methods: participative observations and interviews. We followed each group for approximately 1 year and documented its main activities for social change, as well as internal meetings and decision-making processes. We also conducted follow-up interviews with some of the groups' leaders after their goals were accomplished.