Im Tirtzu: Campus Watchdog or Ideological Enforcer?
Despite nearly two years of genocide against
the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip—a reality recognized by the
international community since October 7, 2023—terrorist and extremist
organizations within the Zionist entity continue to expand in scope and
influence. These groups have become key actors, directly shaping public
policies, particularly those targeting the Palestinian people.
Incorporating its programs into educational
curricula
Among the
alarming reports highlighting the deep-seated penetration of extremist
movements within the fabric of Zionist society, Hebrew media outlets revealed
on September 3, 2025, a decision by the ‘Israeli’ Ministry of Education. For
the first time, a program affiliated with the fascist right-wing organization ‘Im
Tirtzu’ has been included in the ‘Gefen System’—a database of external
initiatives that allows school principals to select activities, lectures, and
workshops for their students. This decision notably follows the ministry’s own
directives to strike liberal democracy from the educational curricula.
According to Haaretz on the same date, the
program is tailored for middle and high school students. It features lectures
and a series of sessions titled 'Zionism in the New Generation,' aimed at
introducing young students to the fundamental concepts of the Zionist movement.
The program seeks to deepen their knowledge of the history, heritage, and
geography of what they claim as the 'Land of Israel,' while instilling Zionist
ideology and promoting what they term the reinforcement of Jewish and 'Israeli'
identity.
Instilling the ideas and principles of terrorism among 'Israeli'
students
Consequently, the Netanyahu government’s
authorization of 'Im Tirtzu’s' extremist and terrorist ideologies within
schools serves as an incitement to further violence and the instilling of
terrorist principles among students. This move fosters new generations raised
on curricula of extremism and intellectual deviance—a concern amplified by the
movement’s own admission on its website regarding its high level of activity
and influence among youth circles within the entity.
Established in 2006 across Hebrew
universities by its founder and leader, Ronen Shoval, 'Im Tirtzu' is defined by
its extreme radicalism and hostility toward Palestinians and even leftist Jews.
According to its official website, the organization views itself not merely as
a major player, but as the preeminent Zionist movement in 'Israel,' dedicated
to promoting and reinforcing Zionist values throughout 'Israeli' society.
Qualifying new generations to lead the Zionist entity in the future.
Combating the delegitimization of 'Israel' is a cornerstone of the movement's
mission, driving its strategic expansion across universities and colleges.
Despite its relatively recent founding in 2006, 'Im Tirtzu' has operated 20
branches and representative offices throughout the Zionist entity as of 2022.
This heavy concentration on academia aims to forge a more radicalized and
extremist consciousness, grooming new generations to lead both the Zionist
movement and the entity in the future.
Intriguingly, the movement exercises a
form of 'academic policing' over 'Israeli' lecturers, scrutinizing course
content and curricula. This role is reflected in its name, 'Im Tirtzu' (If You
Will It)—a reference to the famous quote by Zionism’s founder, Theodor Herzl: 'If
you will it, it is no dream.' Through this invocation, the movement seeks
to ignite a 'second Zionist revolution' aimed at restoring the movement's
luster and re-legitimizing 'Israel' based on the claim of its fundamentally
Jewish character.
Influencing decision-makers
Last May 14, more than 50 students and
activists from the 'Im Tirtzu' movement staged a protest in front of Tel Aviv
University against Nakba Day commemorations. The counter-protest targeted
rallies held by Palestinians and the 'Israeli' left to mark the 1948 Nakba. 'Im
Tirtzu' activists denounced the Nakba as a 'mark of shame,' asserting that
there is no place for 'terror supporters' on the university campus.
Reporting on the same day, the Hebrew
daily Yedioth Ahronoth noted that the movement's activists seek to uphold the
'Zionist spirit' on campus. This environment prompted extremist Education
Minister Yoav Kisch to call on the even more radical Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich
to take immediate action to defund both the Hebrew University and Tel Aviv
University, following their administrations' approval of 'Nakba Day' events.
Driven by its terrorist ideology, 'Im
Tirtzu' consistently calls for the killing and expulsion of Arab students from
Hebrew universities. The movement also advocates for the purging of Arab
faculty members and leftist Jewish professors, under the pretext of
safeguarding 'Israel's' values as a 'Jewish and democratic' state.
The Role of 'Im Tirtzu' in the Gaza War:
A Catalyst for Extremism
Functioning as a self-styled 'ideological
watchdog' over Zionist values, 'Im Tirtzu' extended its reach into the sports
arena by demanding the Israel Football Association (IFA) boycott a match
against the Norwegian national team. According to the Hebrew sports portal
'ONE' on August 23, the movement claimed the match proceeds were destined for
Palestinians in Gaza. The outlet notably dismissed the movement’s demand as both
'strange and absurd.'
Regarding its role in the ongoing war on the
Gaza Strip, Hebrew Channel 7 reported on April 28, 2025, that the 'Im Tirtzu'
movement submitted multiple requests to the Population and Immigration
Authority to disclose the number of entry permits issued to Gaza residents into
'Israel' from 2021 to 2024. Covering the periods both before and during the
war, the movement's request was based on allegations that these Palestinians
assisted Hamas in gathering intelligence for the events of October 7, 2023,
also known as 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood'.
The Movement’s Impact on Public and
Media Discourse
The Hebrew channel emphasized on its website
at the time that 'Im Tirtzu' aims to redefine its role within 'Israeli' society
by exerting a prominent and influential force in public and media discourse.
The movement seeks to shape societal awareness of surrounding events, while
advocating for a steadfast return to core Zionist values and principles.
On February 3, 2025, 'Im Tirtzu' activists
unfurled a colossal banner over the Ayalon Highway in Gush Dan, demanding Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deliver on the total eradication of Hamas in Gaza.
The movement insisted on adhering to the strategic objectives reportedly
outlined during summits with U.S. President Donald Trump, framing the
destruction of Hamas as an indispensable goal. According to Hebrew Channel 7,
the group’s followers frequently picket Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem,
advocating for the invasion of Rafah and the seizure of the Philadelphi
Corridor on the Egyptian border, while vehemently opposing any concessions on
war aims.
We are the guardians of the values and
principles of the Zionist movement.
On January 1, 2025, the Hebrew daily Israel
Hayom reported that hundreds of leftist and Palestinian activists demonstrated
within the Tel Aviv University campus to condemn the war on Gaza. Protesters
raised slogans such as 'Stop the Genocide in Gaza' and 'End the Destruction in
Gaza.' These demonstrations were met with fierce opposition from the 'Im
Tirtzu' movement, which dismissed the slogans as 'fabrications' and pressured
the university administration to shut down such rallies.
Members and activists of 'Im Tirtzu'
view themselves as the rightful custodians of Zionist values and principles.
Beyond mere guardianship, they believe they represent the practical application
of Zionism itself, actively forging a 'New Zionism' that finds its primary
battlefield within the halls of Hebrew universities.
In this light, 'Im Tirtzu' is striving to
redefine the Zionist movement—or even 'Post-Zionism'—by expanding its mission
and presence across 'Israeli' universities and colleges. This strategic
redeployment aims to cultivate future generations grounded in extremism and
terror-based ideologies, ensuring they remain committed to a radicalized
Zionist agenda.
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