What Is the Palestinian Youth Movement?

Palestinian Youth Movement The PYM is an anti-Zionist party which advocates and supports the Palestinians and resistance to Israeli policies. PYM was formed in 2006 and its mission is to bring together young activists all over the world and has more than a dozen active chapters in North America and in Europe, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, Seattle, and San Diego. It emerged with the aim of mobilizing the youth on matters related to Palestinian self determination, human rights and resisting occupation of Israel.

PYM is particularly vocal in its support of armed resistance against Israel and has given a statement of solidarity with the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led terror attack, about which it casts itself as part of the legitimate struggle against occupation and blockade. This position has caused copious controversy and criticism.

 Who Founded the Palestinian Youth Movement and Its Evolution

But in the year 2006, an initiation of Palestinian Youth Network (PYM) took place in Barcelona, Spain.The initiators were mostly young Palestinians of European and Middle Eastern background, who aimed at organizing grassroots-based actions concerning the rights of Palestinians.

During the second General Assembly in 2011 (Istanbul, Turkey) the organization started to become more formal (globally oriented), adopting a more clear-cut political stand along with the formation of local, regional chapters. It has increased its ambitions of influence and presence, especially on the campus and among the diasporas as well as in the service of advocacy, education, and on-the-ground action.

Currently, most PYM organizes have a history of student activism, and still remain connected with university-oriented organizations like Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP).

Funding and Financial Support of PYM

The Financial Sponsors Most of the financial support of the Palestinian Youth Movement is given by fiscal sponsors who deal with monetary and administrative aspects. These sponsors, in the past, have been associations of progressive and Indigenous rights motives.

By 2024, Westchester People Action Coalition (WESPAC) was a fiscal sponsor. PYM subsequently moved its sponsorship to Honor the Earth, an Indigenous-led environmental advocacy group which openly acquiesces to anti-Zionist causes. Some of the most influential PYM leaders also belong to important positions in Honor the Earth and this illustrates the interdependence of these two organizations.

In addition to the above, money has been contributed to YM by a number of progressive philanthropic organizations, including also the California Endowment, Kataly Foundation, and Proteus Fund, all of which fund other anti-Israel activists.

 Activities and Presence Across Cities

PYM is very dynamic in most North American cities where they give protests, teach-ins, and campaigns to spread awareness on Palestinian issues. The most important urban chapters are:

• Los Angeles: PYM is known to hold frequent rallies and use such slogans and imagery commonly opposed to Zionism.
• San Diego The chapter has encouraged armed resistance with the chapter having gone to the extent of extolling Hamas spokespersons in front of crowds.
• Chicago and Toronto: Agitation and organising takes on two fronts, first building coalitions with organisations such as Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and anti-war groups.
• Seattle: Community action and other educational events that PYM facilitates connect Palestinian liberation to other social justice struggles.

It has been a leading activist organization on campuses, encouraging encampments and demonstrations on campuses at different universities where animosity on issues of Israel-Palestine has been heightened.

 Controversial Political Positions and Criticism

Anti-Zionist philosophy and sometimes rhetoric that is considered antisemitic is common to PYM. The organization habitually describes Zionism as colonialism, imperialism, and racism, using language and the imagery which critics believe is reflective of antisemitic stereotypes.

As an example, serpent-like imagery has been portrayed on PYM signs and banners, its leaders liken Zionism to fascism and Nazi collaborators.  These statements have resulted into criticism by the Jewish and other organizations that state that the rhetoric that is being employed by PYM is divisive and it breeds hate.

The use of the term armed struggle in the PYM statement in 2023 following the brutal violence by Hamas was controversial at that time and such moves are still defended by the organization even though the action is listed as terrorism by most governance and international organizations. The positions have led to extreme debates over the question of activism against condoning violence.

One of the most polarizing and influential units of the pro-Palestinian movement that exist is the Palestinian Youth Movement. Although it is significant in promoting youth activism and advocating the Palestinian and other people rights, it has been criticised due to its position on the armed struggle and rhetoric which is seen to be controversial.