A group of American Jewish activists found their entry permits revoked by Israeli authorities following their participation in protests against illegal Israeli settler attacks in the occupied West Bank. According to a report by the US publication The Forward, the activists were engaged in a seven-week volunteer program in the Masafer Yatta area when the cancellations occurred.
Activist Sam Sherman noted that he and several members of his cohort received emails notifying them of the permit cancellations within the same hour. Sherman described situations where soldiers, police, and armed illegal Israeli settlers photographed his passport during confrontations initiated by the settlers. He stated that while they were simply spending time with local residents, they were treated as if their presence was criminal.
Israeli authorities provided no explanation for the decision to cancel the travel permits. Sherman mentioned that more experienced activists had previously warned him that he might be barred from re-entering Israel unless he chose to immigrate there permanently. Commenting on the situation, Sherman sarcastically remarked that if he is considered the "wrong kind of Jew" for Israel, he accepts the outcome.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing violence in the region. Palestinian officials report that illegal Israeli settlers have carried out numerous attacks against Palestinians and their property. Official figures indicate that during the first six months of 2026, illegal settlers committed 3,488 attacks. These incidents have included physical assaults, the establishment of unauthorized settlement outposts, and actions preventing Palestinian farmers from accessing their agricultural land.
