Marwan told us some stories.
Story One: The peaceful demonstration
One day Marwan was leading a regular protest and encountered the usual roadblock and heavy army presence. The Overall Area Commander was there and they recognised each other. The Area Commander asked Marwan what they wanted. Marwan said they just wanted to proceed to the wall and to hold a quiet protest. He agreed that no stones would be thrown in return for no tear gas and rubber bullets. They agreed, the barrier was removed and the protest proceeded. All was peaceful and the protesters returned home. No stones, no tear gas and no rubber bullets.
The next time the protesters came, the Area Commander was not there. Marwan asked where he was. He was told "you will never see him here again".
Story Two: Talking to soldiers
Marwan tells us that he can sense when he meets "a good soldier". On this occasion, the soldier had his rifle by his side, not as usually held in direct confrontation. They got into conversation. Marwan told the soldier about the village from which his father and family were evicted. The soldier told Marwan that he now lived in the same village. Marwan told the soldier that he longed to see the village and the soldier offered to take Marwan to show him. Marwan was very wary about what people would say if he was seen travelling and talking alone with a soldier. He asked the soldier if he would do this "in plain clothes". At this point the soldier's commander grabbed him by his uniform and dragged him back behind the line. The conversation was ended.
My conclusion: There are some good people among the Israeli soldiers. However, any show of kindness or compassion attracts strong disapproval by their peers. Similarly, Palestinians have to consider being treated as a collaborator if they are seen to be too close to the soldiers.
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