269
Taken from the official 269-website:
The nameless, faceless victims whose bodies are used to feed us, obviously had desires and feelings before their throats were slit open with cold, calculated brutality. It's strange, we define ourselves as a "law abiding, moral" society, and yet routinely massacre innocent beings.
The branding of the calf's number, chosen by the industry to be "269", is for us, an act of solidarity and immortalization. We hope to be able to raise awareness and empathy towards those, whose cries of terror and pain are only heard by steel bars and the blood stained walls of the slaughterhouses.
We are all equal in our suffering, and if humanity has any chance of surviving and evolving, we must accept that oppression of the weak - whether excused by gender, race or species - lacks any rationality and fundamental sensitivity towards those who may not cry out using our language, but feel pain no less than us.
So we ask: What will happen with the individual numbered "269"?
Is his life not more meaningful than a pointless, sanguinary practice?
The nameless, faceless victims whose bodies are used to feed us, obviously had desires and feelings before their throats were slit open with cold, calculated brutality. It's strange, we define ourselves as a "law abiding, moral" society, and yet routinely massacre innocent beings.
The branding of the calf's number, chosen by the industry to be "269", is for us, an act of solidarity and immortalization. We hope to be able to raise awareness and empathy towards those, whose cries of terror and pain are only heard by steel bars and the blood stained walls of the slaughterhouses.
We are all equal in our suffering, and if humanity has any chance of surviving and evolving, we must accept that oppression of the weak - whether excused by gender, race or species - lacks any rationality and fundamental sensitivity towards those who may not cry out using our language, but feel pain no less than us.
So we ask: What will happen with the individual numbered "269"?
Is his life not more meaningful than a pointless, sanguinary practice?
On October 2nd 2012, world farm animals day, three animal rights activists in Israel got branded with a hot steel brand, in the same way farm animals are branded in factory farms.
The Number 269 was the designated number of a veal calf animal rights activists encountered in one of Israel's intensive factory farms.
Three of these brave activists responded by having the number 269 branded on their flesh with a hot iron, to highlight the suffering of all factory farmed animals.
"This anonymous calf will be forever immortalized on our bodies, and hopefully this message of solidarity will somehow bring a new way of looking at non-human animals. No animal should be exploited to satisfy the selfish needs and whimsical desires of humans, and that is why we chose to use the industry's own method of objectifying living beings as this symbolic means to convey our idea".
www.269life.com, and on Facebook
Three of these brave activists responded by having the number 269 branded on their flesh with a hot iron, to highlight the suffering of all factory farmed animals.
"This anonymous calf will be forever immortalized on our bodies, and hopefully this message of solidarity will somehow bring a new way of looking at non-human animals. No animal should be exploited to satisfy the selfish needs and whimsical desires of humans, and that is why we chose to use the industry's own method of objectifying living beings as this symbolic means to convey our idea".
www.269life.com, and on Facebook
A tribute to the www.269LIFE.com activists
As a tribute and a 'thank you' to the three activists who got brandmarked in Israël, animals rights activist Jason Becks has launched an original event on Facebook calling upon activists and vegans to join him in solidarity and to have the number 269 tattooed on their bodies as a political statement in opposition to the global animal holocaust.
The following text is taken from their event-page:
Join us in solidarity as we have the number 269 tattooed on our bodies as a political statement in protest to the global animal holocaust. We are not interested in seasonal popularist social-media-driven Kony-style campaigns - this event is about committing yourself for life to actions that disable the animal holocaust.
Introduction:
Genesis 1:28 - '... and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.'
Despite this very generous and irresponsible directive from the Christian Creator God, many human beings throughout the ages have rejected his offer and aspire to a breadth of compassion that infinitely transcends his own. It is estimated that 64 billion animals are murdered by the human species every year, and animal rights activists recognise this escalating global catastrophe as the animal holocaust - the intentional and unintentional mass eradication of all superfluous non-human species on planet earth by the human race.
Morality is only relevant when it manifests as behaviour, and there are behaviours that contribute to the animal holocaust, and behaviours that disable the animal holocaust. By bearing the symbol 269, you are announcing to the world that you are actively disabling the animal holocaust through considerate and selfless daily actions.
What is the purpose of this page?
a) To announce the number '269' as the international symbol of protest to the animal holocaust.
b) To introduce the concept of Law 269 - An international law that grants all animals the right not to be the property of human beings.
c) To acknowledge the sacrifice and bravery of the 3 young activists who captured the world's attention by having the number 269 branded on their flesh. This campaign was inspired by their actions.
d) To inspire others to bear the symbol 269 as a permanent tattoo to help spread awareness of the animal holocaust.
Inspiration:
The Number 269 was the designated number of a veal calf animal rights activists encountered in one of Israel's intensive factory farms.
Three of these brave activists responded by having the number 269 branded on their flesh with a hot iron, to highlight the suffering of all factory farmed animals.
"This anonymous calf will be forever immortalized on our bodies, and hopefully this message of solidarity will somehow bring a new way of looking at non-human animals. No animal should be exploited to satisfy the selfish needs and whimsical desires of humans, and that is why we chose to use the industry's own method of objectifying living beings as this symbolic means to convey our idea".
- 269Life (Facebook) www.269life.com
Where?
Any local reputable tattoo studio. Do your homework, consult those with tattoos for firsthand recommendations. Please ask your tattooist to provide vegan inks which are not derived from animal products.
Why November 1st?
International World Vegan Day
Why tattoos?
All animal rights activists have a duty to acknowledge and applaud the actions of the 3 activists who suffered unimaginable searing pain in respectful silence to bring attention to the plight of animal holocaust victims like 269. As a symbol of unity, support and gratitude to these activists, we offer the canvas of our bodies in solidarity, and to bear witness to the life of 269, who has transcended his status as another anonymous, forgotten, invisible animal holocaust victim. Due to the sacrifice, selflessness and leadership of these activists, there is now a poignant and tragic bac kstory attached to the number 269 which will be told and retold by every person who bears this symbol on their body.
Why not branding?
Personally, out of respect for the 3 activists who conceived the original idea, I would refrain from getting 269 branded on my own body. Replication often proves to dilute the power of an idea, and I would hope to preserve the integrity of their actions by acknowledging rather than imitating.
Who might consider getting a 269 tattoo?
269 - A fitting and timely symbol for the animal holocaust
Whilst the swastika has been designated the prevailing symbol of the human holocaust, sadly the animal holocaust has not been deemed worthy of having a symbol to represent the unnecessary suffering and death of 64 billion animals every year. I encourage all animal activists to consider adopting 269 as the global symbol of the animal holocaust, so that it becomes inextricably linked with our desire to see all animals treated with the same moral regard we afford our own species.
Law 269
I propose that all animal activists consider the establishment of a new law, Law 269. Law 269 protects all animals by granting them the right to not be the property of human beings. If this law were adopted by industrialized societies, all oppression of animals would cease. There would be no more factory farms; no more blood sports; no more fur farms; no more pet shops; less habitat destruction; less environmental degradation. Please consider Law 269 seriously - it is the solution to their suffering.
'Ideas are bulletproof'
The following text is taken from their event-page:
Join us in solidarity as we have the number 269 tattooed on our bodies as a political statement in protest to the global animal holocaust. We are not interested in seasonal popularist social-media-driven Kony-style campaigns - this event is about committing yourself for life to actions that disable the animal holocaust.
Introduction:
Genesis 1:28 - '... and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.'
Despite this very generous and irresponsible directive from the Christian Creator God, many human beings throughout the ages have rejected his offer and aspire to a breadth of compassion that infinitely transcends his own. It is estimated that 64 billion animals are murdered by the human species every year, and animal rights activists recognise this escalating global catastrophe as the animal holocaust - the intentional and unintentional mass eradication of all superfluous non-human species on planet earth by the human race.
Morality is only relevant when it manifests as behaviour, and there are behaviours that contribute to the animal holocaust, and behaviours that disable the animal holocaust. By bearing the symbol 269, you are announcing to the world that you are actively disabling the animal holocaust through considerate and selfless daily actions.
What is the purpose of this page?
a) To announce the number '269' as the international symbol of protest to the animal holocaust.
b) To introduce the concept of Law 269 - An international law that grants all animals the right not to be the property of human beings.
c) To acknowledge the sacrifice and bravery of the 3 young activists who captured the world's attention by having the number 269 branded on their flesh. This campaign was inspired by their actions.
d) To inspire others to bear the symbol 269 as a permanent tattoo to help spread awareness of the animal holocaust.
Inspiration:
The Number 269 was the designated number of a veal calf animal rights activists encountered in one of Israel's intensive factory farms.
Three of these brave activists responded by having the number 269 branded on their flesh with a hot iron, to highlight the suffering of all factory farmed animals.
"This anonymous calf will be forever immortalized on our bodies, and hopefully this message of solidarity will somehow bring a new way of looking at non-human animals. No animal should be exploited to satisfy the selfish needs and whimsical desires of humans, and that is why we chose to use the industry's own method of objectifying living beings as this symbolic means to convey our idea".
- 269Life (Facebook) www.269life.com
Where?
Any local reputable tattoo studio. Do your homework, consult those with tattoos for firsthand recommendations. Please ask your tattooist to provide vegan inks which are not derived from animal products.
Why November 1st?
International World Vegan Day
Why tattoos?
All animal rights activists have a duty to acknowledge and applaud the actions of the 3 activists who suffered unimaginable searing pain in respectful silence to bring attention to the plight of animal holocaust victims like 269. As a symbol of unity, support and gratitude to these activists, we offer the canvas of our bodies in solidarity, and to bear witness to the life of 269, who has transcended his status as another anonymous, forgotten, invisible animal holocaust victim. Due to the sacrifice, selflessness and leadership of these activists, there is now a poignant and tragic bac kstory attached to the number 269 which will be told and retold by every person who bears this symbol on their body.
Why not branding?
Personally, out of respect for the 3 activists who conceived the original idea, I would refrain from getting 269 branded on my own body. Replication often proves to dilute the power of an idea, and I would hope to preserve the integrity of their actions by acknowledging rather than imitating.
Who might consider getting a 269 tattoo?
- People who believe animals are worthy of the same moral regard as human beings.
- People who appreciate that veganism is about morality, not diet.
- People who believe that animals deserve the basic right to not be the property of human beings.
- People who refuse to perpetuate the animal holocaust by eating animals and animal products (this includes dairy foods such as butter, cheese, cream, yogurt, milk, eggs and milk chocolate).
- People who refuse to perpetuate the animal holocaust by buying cosmetics and clothing derived from animals and animal products.
- People who refuse to perpetuate the animal holocaust by buying special breed animals.
- People who refrain from using the term ‘pet’ to label an animal companion, because the term ‘pet’ would never be deemed appropriate to describe a human companion.
269 - A fitting and timely symbol for the animal holocaust
Whilst the swastika has been designated the prevailing symbol of the human holocaust, sadly the animal holocaust has not been deemed worthy of having a symbol to represent the unnecessary suffering and death of 64 billion animals every year. I encourage all animal activists to consider adopting 269 as the global symbol of the animal holocaust, so that it becomes inextricably linked with our desire to see all animals treated with the same moral regard we afford our own species.
Law 269
I propose that all animal activists consider the establishment of a new law, Law 269. Law 269 protects all animals by granting them the right to not be the property of human beings. If this law were adopted by industrialized societies, all oppression of animals would cease. There would be no more factory farms; no more blood sports; no more fur farms; no more pet shops; less habitat destruction; less environmental degradation. Please consider Law 269 seriously - it is the solution to their suffering.
'Ideas are bulletproof'
If you decide to join them in solidarity, please join Jason's event-page to confirm your participation and willingness to get you a 269-tattoo.
NOTE: this is not an Occupy for Animals-event.
ALL are 269!
November 1st, 2012 is World Vegan Day and for the first time also
“269 Solidarity Day”
On November 1st, a group of thirty Israeli activists made both a political statement and personal protest against animal abuse. Here is a brief list of countries which participated in the event: USA, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Turkey, Sweden, The Netherlands, Germany, and India. November 1st is World Vegan Day and for the first time also “269 Solidarity Day”.
The animal rights movement was sparked by three international activists who were publicly branded with a hot iron in the exact fashion that cattle are being branded (see first video on this page) to protest against animal exploitation. The number 269 was chosen because it was the identification number given to a calf born in an Israeli factory farm.
According to the activists, the branding (and now also the tattooing) of 269 is a form of solidarity and immortalization. It is a statement that when it comes to suffering and pain there is no difference between animals and humans. When it comes to pain we are all the same.
This group of Israeli activists is undergoing the tattoo of 269 as part of an international event, involving similar groups all over the world, in the hope of spreading the animals’ message.
As well as the activists tattooing themselves, there will be a dramatic visual demonstration simulating the way Jews were branded in the Holocaust.
According to the activists, the branding (and now also the tattooing) of 269 is a form of solidarity and immortalization. It is a statement that when it comes to suffering and pain there is no difference between animals and humans. When it comes to pain we are all the same.
This group of Israeli activists is undergoing the tattoo of 269 as part of an international event, involving similar groups all over the world, in the hope of spreading the animals’ message.
As well as the activists tattooing themselves, there will be a dramatic visual demonstration simulating the way Jews were branded in the Holocaust.
Unlike other campaigns, these activists are calling for a complete abolition of animal slavery. Alex Boojor, one of the organizers of the event and one of the activists who got branded on Oct 2nd says: “The people who are volunteering their skins, are people from all stages of life who have learned from history's human holocausts, and recognize that the animal holocaust is far from over. Like the institutionalized confining and suffering of millions of humans by Hitler, animals on factory farms today suffer almost mirror-like cruelty which continues at the greed of animal-using industries.
We are taking part in this event in solidarity for all these victims of industries that still use animals as nothing more than commodities. We are calling for an end to the slavery and violence that happens every single day in the name of food, fashion and testing.”
We should be ashamed for every sow that is confined to a gestation crate that is so small she can't even turn around, for every calf that is taken away from his/her mother so she can produce milk for us instead of her child, for every hen that is confined to a battery cage.” - Danica Daley, organizer for the Melbourne 269 demonstration.
Text taken from the 269life-press release
"In relation to [animals], all people are Nazis;
for the animals, it is an eternal Treblinka."
Isaac Bashevis Singer
for the animals, it is an eternal Treblinka."
Isaac Bashevis Singer
