<div dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" id="m_-1026085149029354938gmail-docs-internal-guid-69baa518-7fff-1fd3-2d8a-3431804f63e1"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Dear ISOC Chapters and Colleagues,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">While we stand with the global community in advocating for the unimpeded operation of internet infrastructure, especially during times of crisis, any discussion by ISOC or the professional community must include the full context and facts, especially in light of the grave allegations being made during this period of intense conflict when complex geopolitical strife is involved.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.71429;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Yes, the world and our dear colleagues should be informed about what is happening in Gaza and in Israel.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">On October 7, approximately 3,000 Gazan militants and civilians burst through Israel’s border and went door to door deliberately murdering civilians of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. In only one day, with remarkable organization and precision, they slaughtered, raped, and </span><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/2023/10/30/morgue-burial-israel-hamas-attack-pkg-sidner-lead-vpx.cnn" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">mutilated </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">at least 1,400 people, including babies, injured over 4,500 and abducted more than 240 </span><a href="https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bynldsc11p" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">hostages</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">, almost all of them civilians, including </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/09/world/middleeast/hamas-hostages-israel-gaza.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">people with disabilities, children, grandparents and even a 9-month-old baby</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">. Now over a month into the conflict, these hostages are still completely </span><a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/25-10-2023-who-calls-for-immediate-release--access-to--and-medical-support-for-hostages-taken-by-hamas" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">cut off from the Red Cross or any other humanitarian aid</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">, as confirmed by the World Health Organization. Meanwhile, the very UN Human Rights Committee referenced by Mr. Qassrawi above </span><a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/11/un-child-rights-committee-condemns-killing-children-gaza-strip" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">denounces</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> only the killing of children in Gaza, with resounding silence on the children brutally murdered in Israel and currently held hostage</span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/09/israeli-hostages-relatives-plead-for-help" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> by Palestinian militants in Gaza</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">.</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> Since that terrible day, Israeli cities are being regularly bombed by Hamas missiles, and Israeli citizens are called to stay in Shelters.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">With this context in mind, ISOC and the Internet Community cannot simplistically address this situation as an “Internet Shutdown” - according to </span><a href="https://pulse.internetsociety.org/shutdown-statement" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">its own policy</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> and the </span><a href="https://techagainstterrorism.org/home" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">global commitment</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> to protect human rights and democratic values against terrorism. In particular, it is crucial to avoid the creation of inaccurate and one-sided impressions about Israel's "regularly imposed" Internet shutdowns, in order to avoid assigning blame or inferring intent without full context.</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> As a matter of fact, </span><a href="https://ioda.inetintel.cc.gatech.edu/region/1226?from=1695999414&until=1699369014" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">recent data shows only temporary disruptions</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">, in parallel to the ongoing physical warfare to retrieve the </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">civilians that Hamas and Palestinian militants abducted from Israel to Gaza (</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">unlike ISOC’s definition of internet shutdowns, as a governmental or political attempt by authoritarian governments to control the flow of information or silence domestic criticism). </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">As we extend our deepest sympathies to all innocent civilians affected, we also urge all organizations and outlets releasing reports surrounding these events to present a balanced and nuanced picture of the crisis. </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">We at ISOC-IL are fortunate and proud to be active members (it is no coincidence that the word for “members” in Hebrew is also the word for “friends”) of the Internet Society community since its inception. We contribute significantly to the bridging of the digital divide in Israel, working hand in hand with Arab community leaders and professionals to ensure that the internet-related needs of Israeli communities are being addressed, and our ccTLD registry and Internet Exchange work year-round to ensure safe and uninterrupted internet for all.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">More information on ISOC-IL’s emergency activities since the Hamas terror attacks from Gaza is available here:</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span><a href="https://en.isoc.org.il/about/news-room/october-2023" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">https://en.isoc.org.il/about/news-room/october-2023</span></a></p><br><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Sincerely, with hope for better days for all in our troubled region,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Yoram Hacohen</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">CEO<br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:rgb(255,255,255);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Israel Internet Association (ISOC-IL)</span></p>
<div><div dir="rtl" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div dir="rtl" style="font-size:12.8px;text-align:center;color:rgb(136,136,136)"><font size="1"><span style="color:rgb(153,153,153)"><b>יורם הכהן | מנכ"ל | איגוד האינטרנט הישראלי ISOC-IL (ע"ר) | Yoram Hacohen</b></span></font><span style="color:rgb(153,153,153)"><b><font size="2"><font size="1"> | CEO | </font><font size="1">Israel Internet Association ISOC-IL</font></font><font size="2"><b><br></b></font></b></span></div><div dir="rtl" style="font-size:12.8px;text-align:center;color:rgb(136,136,136)"><font size="1"><span style="color:rgb(153,153,153)"><b>טל': 03-9700900 | פקס: 03-9700901</b></span><b><span style="color:rgb(153,153,153)"> | Tel: </span><span style="color:rgb(153,153,153)">+972-3-9700900 | Fax:+972-3-9700901</span></b></font></div><div dir="rtl" style="font-size:12.8px;text-align:center;color:rgb(136,136,136)"><font size="1"><b><span style="color:rgb(153,153,153)"><a href="http://www.isoc.org.il" target="_blank"><img src="https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=0B84D__d89UrIanE2MGM5a1JGUEU&revid=0B84D__d89UrIam1HMzVUREV0L2ZUczM4R2VtalRWaGhSaGdZPQ" alt="www.isoc.org.il" width="96" height="55"></a><br></span></b></font></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br></div><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Wed, Nov 8, 2023 at 11:42 AM Zaher Qassrawi via Chapter-delegates <<a href="mailto:chapter-delegates@elists.isoc.org">chapter-delegates@elists.isoc.org</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div><div style="font-family:verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:18px"><div><div dir="ltr"><div>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><b>Internet Shutdown in Gaza</b></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><b> </b></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span>Internet Society – Palestine
Chapter would like to draw your attention to the ongoing internet shutdown in
Gaza, regularly imposed by the Israeli government, and the profound effects it
is having on the lives of the people in the region. It is time to highlight
what the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated in March
2023: that it is essential to reinforce universal access to the internet as a
human right, and not just a privilege.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span>This internet shutdown has serious
implications for basic human rights, safety, and the livelihoods of the
residents of Gaza. The decision to shut down the internet in Gaza has created a
significant disruption in the daily lives of the people living there. The
internet is an essential tool for communication, especially in these
challenging times, and for accessing vital information. With its sudden
absence, many aspects of daily life have been severely impacted during times of
conflict:</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span><span> </span>1. </span><b>Healthcare</b><span>: In times of crisis, being online is of
paramount importance as it serves as a lifeline connecting individuals to
essential services like healthcare and emergency response teams. Access to the
internet enables people to quickly reach out to medical professionals for vital
health advice, especially when seconds can make a difference in emergencies.
Additionally, being online allows individuals to report their location,
enabling ambulances and first responders to reach them swiftly, potentially
saving lives. In situations where every moment counts, the internet serves as a
crucial tool to bridge the gap between those in distress and the assistance
they urgently require. The internet shutdown has hindered access to medical
advice and healthcare information, potentially putting lives at risk. Dr. Duaa
Abu Shakra was a real-life example of such a need when she sent a message from
the ruins of her destroyed house for help. This message allowed first
responders to reach her and save her life along with her family.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span><span> </span>2. </span><b>Communication</b><span>: The ability to communicate with loved ones,
access critical information, and maintain contact with the outside world is now
severely limited. Families are struggling to connect with each other, and many
are left in the dark about the safety and well-being of their relatives in
other parts of the world.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span>3. </span><b>Information Flow</b><span>: Access to
accurate and timely information is crucial, particularly in times of crisis.
The internet shutdown limits the ability of the people in Gaza to stay informed
about the evolving situation, which can have serious implications for their
safety and well-being. This raises concerns about the Israeli government's
willingness to conceal what happened in Gaza without any witnesses.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span>We call upon the international
community to urge the Israeli government to reconsider the internet shutdown in
Gaza and to find alternative means to address their concerns while ensuring
that the basic human rights and needs of the people in the region are met. It
is essential to remember that a thriving and connected community is more likely
to contribute to peace and stability in the region.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span>We urge the international
community to closely monitor the situation and work towards a resolution that
respects the rights and well-being of all individuals affected by this internet
shutdown.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><b>Internet Society</b></p>
<p style="text-align:justify"><b>Palestine Chapter</b></p>
</div><div dir="ltr"><a href="https://isoc.ps/?p=582" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://isoc.ps/?p=582</a></div><div dir="ltr"><br></div></div><div><br></div><div><div style="font-size:16px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><font size="1" face="times new roman, new york, times, serif"><div><br>
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</blockquote></div>