Land Day tomorrow

Tomorrow is "Land Day". I am going into Jerusalem for Church, but will need to be aware that this is a sensitive day.

What is it that Palestinians commemorate on Land Day?

Copy of an article by Arjan El Fassed 

The Electronic Intifada 

30 March 2001

"On 30 March 1976, thousands of people belonging to the Palestinian minority in Israel gathered to protest Israeli government plans to expropriate 60,000 dunams of Arab-owned land in the Galilee. In the resulting confrontations with Israeli police, six Palestinians were killed, hundreds wounded, and hundreds jailed. In the intervening years, those events have become consecrated in the Palestinian memory as Land Day.

After years of military rule and political docility, Land Day 1976 was the first act of mass resistance by the Palestinians inside Israel against the Zionist policy of internal colonialisation, a systematic process of expropriation that had reduced Palestinian land ownership from around 94 per cent of all territory in pre-1948 Palestine to less than three per cent in what is now considered to be Israel.

After years of quiet ostracism by the PLO and the Arab states, Land Day reaffirmed the Palestinian minority in Israel as an inseparable part of the Palestinian and Arab nation.

The Palestinian minority in Israel

Today, Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel comprise approximately 19 percent of the total population of the country, numbering close to 900,000. They live predominantly in villages, towns, and mixed cities in the Galilee region in the north, the Triangle area in central Israel, and the Negev desert in the south. They belong to three religious communities: Muslim (76%), Christian (15%), and Druze (9%).

In 1947, the Palestinian Arabs comprised some 67 percent of the population of Palestine. During the Arab-Israeli war of 1948, approximately 780,000 of the pre-1948 Palestinian population fled or were expelled to the fate of becoming refugees in the Arab states and in the West. Of the 150,000 Palestinians who remained in the new Israeli state, approximately 25 percent were displaced from their homes and villages, and became internal refugees. As a result, the Palestinian Arab population in Israel found itself disoriented and severely weakened.

From 1948-1966, the Palestinians in Israel lived under a military administration, applied only to them, despite the fact that they were declared citizens of the state in 1948. Military rule severely restricted their fundamental civil liberties, including freedom of movement, speech, and association. Up until 1965, attempts to organize the Arab community in Israel in pan-Arab movements were forcibly stopped and these associations outlawed.

The Israeli authorities also massively confiscated Palestinian-owned lands. By 1993, over 80 percent of the lands owned by Palestinian Arabs living in Israel had been confiscated and placed at the exclusive disposal of Jewish citizens.

Israel never sought to assimilate or integrate its Palestinian citizens, excluding them from public life while practicing systematic discrimination in all fields. Successive Israeli governments maintained tight control over the community, attempting to suppress Palestinian/Arab identity and to divide the community within itself. To that end, Arabs are not defined by the state as a national minority: rather they are referred to as “Israeli Arabs” or by religious affiliation."

Last day at the Holy Land Trust

Today is my last day at the Holy Land Trust. I shall miss the walk each day through this beautiful city, where every person greets me as I pass. And I will miss all the wonderful people that I have met. 

I learn new things every day. Today I switched on my laptop and it told me the time had changed by one hour. Daylight Saving Time has started! I didn't know. I race to HLT and find it deserted. Elias arrives and tells me that Israel changes the clocks today, the West Bank changes the clocks tomorrow, and of course the UK changes on Sunday. I'm glad that is sorted!! 

Daily hits on the blog

This blog is private in the sense that it cannot be seen by search engines - I have switched that option off. It can only be accessed by someone knowing the url (kenperrett.blogspot.co.uk). I am therefore very pleased with number of  daily "hits" and am grateful to all the people who have followed my story. When I get home I shall make it searchable so that others may have the opportunity to read the stories. 

While I have been here writing the stories, Tracy has been at home reading, checking and commenting on the stories, providing support, printing of the newsletter and keeping people informed, as well as coping with all the many things I normally do at home(!?!), including the Church website. I am deeply indebted to her for supporting my trip here in every way possible.

I look forward to coming home on Monday, even more grateful for my peaceful, happy, comfortable life at home. But I will not forget this friendly, gracious and hospitable place, or its pain. 

Meeting a Settler

Today I went to Kfar Etzion to meet Myron Joshua, a Settler. If you have been following the blog, you will know that I met him in the street in Bethlehem. My readers may not realise the significance of this statement, but every Palestinian does - it is extremely unusual to meet a Settler in Bethlehem - they are told it is illegal for them to enter. The Palestinians all ask me "what was he doing?" Some say "maybe he is spy". All suspect his motives. So now I can answer their questions. 

Regional Administration Centre

I travelled in a "Service" (shared taxi) with another international. We were dropped off on the main road south of Bethlehem and I called Myron. He kindly came with a vehicle from the Kibbutz to pick us up. While we were waiting, he suggested that we have a look around the supermarket at the junction with the main road. This was quite contentious at the time of building as it would be used by Jews and Palestinians. The Rabbis feared "integration" and other Jews were worried about suicide bombers. It seems to be working, but the only Palestinian we saw there was peddling goods outside the store. Myron told us that there were some Palestinians employed as check-out staff, but there were some tensions about how many Jews and Palestinians were employed. We guess that the store owner is Jewish. 

We had only gone a few yards when Myron stopped to pick up a Palestinian. He was going to the regional administration centre and so Myron drove him there, and told us about the process.

Waiting for permits

 Palestinians have to come here to get a permit. They queue in this empty room until called to go through the turnstile. Myron spoke to the Palestinians to ask them about their experience. The Palestinian in the photo told us that last time he waited from 8am until 1pm and then was told to go away and come back in 3 weeks! The others had been waiting hours. There is no human face they can react with. The Palestinian asked Myron to help, but Myron told us he had no influence on the process. 

Hirbeit Zakariyah

 We looked out over the land. Myron told us that some of the fields were Jewish and some Palestinian - he could not tell. We asked about the provision of water, as our experience is that you can tell - Jews get water and Palestinians don't. He told us he didn't know, but that was one of the issues he felt he should know more about. 

Mohammad Saad

In this surprising itinery, we then drove to a Palestinian village - Hirbeit Zarariyah. Here Myron met and introduced the mayor - Mohammad Saad. 

Myron told us about the efforts of some of the people from the Settlement to get building permits for this village - in particular for the school here. The village is, of course, a startling comparison with the Settlement we were to visit, but Myron puts this down to long-term lack of investment in infrastructure by the administrations - Jordanian and Palestinian. Of course, this is now Area C land, which means that no building by Palestinians is allowed by Israel, even though this is in the West Bank. 

This fascinating, yet unexpected, itinery continues when Myron tells us that he has had a call and needs to go to Nahalin. This is the Palestinian village nestling in the valley surrounded by Settlements on all the hills. We take the bumpy track to the village and encounter a road closure - due to the installation of a major water drainage pipe by the US. Myron negotiates with the Palestinian guarding the barrier and we are allowed to enter. The excavators give way and we squeeze through and on into Nahalin. We pick up Mahmoud, who turns out to be Myron's barber! He needs to get to the kibbutz at Kfar Etzion, so Myron finally takes us there. 

We walk into the Settlement. There was no security on the gate. We notice the green grass (with built in watering system). All is calm and pleasant - the soldiers sit having a smoke under the tree.

Myron did not tell us, but I researched Kfar Etzion - I did not know the story. Kfar Etzion was a (Jewish) kibbutz established in 1943. It was at the heart of the tensions between the Jews and the Arabs and was attacked on the day before the State of Israel was declared on May 13th 1948. Most of the people in the kibbutz were killed by the Arab legion. Israel retaliated and killed all the Arabs in a neighbouring village. There is always a dispute about who started the war. The date of the "massacre" is remembered as Israel's Day of Remembrance. The orphans of the kibbutz pressed to return and were allowed (by Israel) to came back to resettle in 1967. This was the first Settlement in the West Bank. Myron came here in 1971 (from America I think). There are now around 150 families, about half of which are in the Kibbutz and half not. 

While we are here, Myron tells us two more stories. A Palestinian who worked in the Kibbutz was injured in a fire and needed hospital treatment. They called for the Settlement ambulance to take him to Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem. However, the Palestinian would not be allowed through the checkpoint as he had no permit for the hospital! In the end they decided to take him in a military ambulance that is not checked. An act of kindness amidst discrimination. 

Myron also told us about the play area nearby. This has been established for Jewish and Palestinian children to meet and play together with their families. 

We heard about some violence by the Settlers. I read later of Settlers who had burned a Mosque. The Rabbi and several others from the Settlement went to apologise and to take gifts of copies of the Quaran.

Our time had come to an end and we took our leave. Myron told us that he had struggled to tell us his story, and we felt a similar confusion. Myron is a kind, peaceful, man and I enjoyed meeting him. I discovered that he attended several sessions at the Christ at the Checkpoint Conference, and that he participated in Sami's workshop. There was a simple explanation for his presence in Bethlehem.

As we travel back to Bethlehem, we pass this outpost. Temporary (white) buildings are replaced by new houses (with red roofs). Another sign of the inequality as Israel builds another new illegal settlement.

This visit gave rise to considerable discussion back home in Aida Camp. Can Settlers be kind and peaceful, while living in an illegal Settlement, while Israel discriminates by refusing Palestinians permission to build on their own land, by requiring permits to travel and work, by allocating four times as much water to Jews as Palestinians? 

I believe that all are equal in God's sight. People here are not treated equally. The occupation is wrong and Israel will destroy its own soul if it continues. Good people like Myron live in physical comfort, yet moral discomfort with the injustice. Other Settlers just live in comfort and ignore the "arabs" as they call them. Should good people move out of Settlements as they are illegal, or should they live there and do what they can to make other Settlers uncomfortable and try to make life better for Palestinians. A complicated question!

Getting involved in the disturbances

The Israeli Defence Force replaced a section of the wall on Sunday. Today the young people pooled their cash and bought some tyres - made quite a show this afternoon. The unrest continues. Photo courtesy of Facebook (not mine). 

The family asked me last night why I did not get involved in the disturbances here. When there are noises, the children rush to the window (or as yesterday go up on the roof) to see what is happening. Several of the internationals in the house get fully involved, filming and talking to the soldiers and the young people. Around 8 Palestinians and two soldiers have been injured in the clashes. The family are, of course, concerned for others here - they are mostly related, and seem disappointed that I do not want to demonstrate solidarity with them by going out on the street.

I told the family that I see my role as telling people at home what is happening, reporting the injustice and working for peace. I do not agree with violent means, either by the soldiers, or by the Palestinians, though I can feel the frustration of people who have been imprisoned and face oppression every day. I am in full support of removing the oppression which makes their lives almost unbearable. For young people, it is all they have left to show that they resist this occupation - to throw stones at  soldiers with guns. I will use the pen and the word to do this.

I am hopeful that the nations of the world will right this injustice. Sadly the people here have seen many, many international visitors, and still nothing changes. They do not expect me to make any difference. I aim to prove them wrong.

Repentance and Forgiveness

During my stay here, I have read Professor Tom Wright's book "Luke for Everyone". I have just completed it. Tom Wright obviously has a deep knowledge of the issues of this land and writes with great insight and sensitivity on the subject. This has been invaluable to me as I struggle to come to terms with the issues here.

Tom ends the book by saying that "it is impossible to give an account of the conflict in which one side is responsible for all the evil and the other side is a completely innocent victim. The only way forward is the one we find hardest at very level: repentance and forgiveness."

Britain has a share of the responsibility for the situation here. I think it would be good if we expressed repentance for this as a starting point.  

Working on my presentation

I already have a couple of requests for me to speak when I get home, and so I have started preparing a presentation. The main reason for this is to check that I have all the facts I need to tell people the story. 

The tension in the camp continues. I can hear the occasional sound bombs and smell the tear gas. The children are drawn to the windows to see what is happening and have to be told to come away, in case a bullet is fired directly at the house. This picture is taken from the wall and you can see that our house stands up above the others. 

Clare and Johnny Anastas

In 2002, amidst the second intifada, and while the children were at school, the military turned up and built the 8 metre high wall on three sides of this house, which lay on the main road into Bethlehem. Overnight, this prosperous family, with several shops, lost their business and became isolated. They have been told that they will be shot if they use the roof of the house. 

Today, Clare is in the US talking about the experience of the family. Meanwhile I spoke to Johnny, who told me how they have tried to cope. 

They have a gift shop which caters for the people that come to see this strange site. He also now offers an unusual type of guest house, for those keen to find out more about the situation here.

Why this convoluted wall. Well Rachel (Jacob's wife) was buried in Bethlehem, but Israel has managed to extend the security wall so that the tomb can now only be accessed from Israel. 

Of course, this is just another of those "security" issues.

Who fired first?

There are a lot of stories here about Palestinian "terrorists" being killed. Unfortunately, the method is usually the same - dozens of soldiers turn up at the person's home, with automatic weapons, rockets, grenades and tear gas. 

They always claim that the Palestinian is a terrorist, that he is armed and that he fired first. Local people sometimes refute these claims, but it makes little difference. 

The soldiers always storm the building and kill the Palestinian. We will never know if he was guilty of a crime. As this usually happens in sensitive areas, it often triggers a riot, and then more people get shot.  If these terrorists are always armed, one would expect more Israeli soldiers to be shot, but this is rare - one was wounded last September. Just google "Soldier shot Palestine" and see who shot who.

UN Human Rights Council Resolution

Many of the international rulings seem to have little impact on Israel. 

However, the UN resolution to be voted on this week means that international companies who deal with settlements may be held liable for violations of  international law. Many companies are already withdrawing from involvement with Israeli settlements. 

Just read my blog on my visit to the Jordan Valley last Friday to know more about the human rights violations there. 

This resolution moves the debate on from simply "Boycott" by personal consumer choice, to "Ban" - meaning that the products will not be available. 

Israel is now responding by relabelling Jordan Valley settlement goods as "Made in Jordan" to avoid the boycott. 

Extract from Haaretz March 23rd

The United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva is scheduled to vote on five anti-Israel resolutions later this week, one of which includes a call to boycott and divest from West Bank settlements.

The draft resolution as published by UN Watch in Geneva states that the Israeli settlement enterprise makes Israel responsible for serious violations of international law, and calls on UNHRC member nations not to facilitate the continuation of these violations. “The direct or indirect assistance of States and private entities to the settlement enterprise constitute obstacles that have frustrated international efforts for the end of the occupation and fulfillment of the right of self- determination of the Palestinian people,” the resolution says.

The draft also notes “the probability of liability, including international criminal liability, for corporate complicity in breaches of international law related to illegal settlements,” and expresses satisfaction “that some businesses have withdrawn from settlements due to awareness of these risks.”

The resolution calls on all nations “to implement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in all circumstances, including in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, their territory and/or under their jurisdiction, including those owned or controlled by them, that conduct activities in or related to the settlements, respect human rights throughout their operations, by taking all necessary steps — including by terminating their business interests in the settlements.”

The resolution also calls for UNHRC member states to inform private persons and businesses of “the financial, reputational and legal risks, as well as the possible abuses of the rights of individuals, of getting involved in settlement-related activities, including economic and financial activities, the provision of services in settlements and the purchasing of property, and to prevent and discourage such involvement.”

Three days of tear gas, rubber bullets and sound bombs

The creation of a symbolic hole in the wall by the young people in the Aida camp has triggered intense clashes around the house where I live. Sound bombs, tear gas and rifle fire has been constant for three days. The soldiers arrived in huge numbers on Friday evening and the clashes have continued since then. 

It is strange how life continues normally, even when a tear gas canister hit the window blind on Saturday and jammed there, filling the apartment with gas. The children run around the apartment, trying to catch sight of the action, whether soldiers or Palestinians. They collect the canisters afterwards as trophies. 

It is all totally one-sided, as the soldiers have guns and the palestinians have stones - everything will stop when the soldiers feel they have made their point and leave. This illustrates how the violence is always a response to the military oppression.   

Extract from Ma'an News 

BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Two Israeli soldiers and eight Palestinian youths were injured as clashes with Israeli forces in Aida refugee camp north of Bethlehem continued for a second day on Sunday.

Locals told Ma'an that Israeli forces raided several houses in the camp, taking them over and using them as military posts while firing tear gas grenades throughout the camp.

Local youths responded by hurling rocks at Israeli forces.

Israeli news site Ynet reported that two soldiers "sustained light to moderate injuries" and were evacuated to the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem.

Witnesses in the camp said that two Israeli soldiers from the border police were injured in the camp after Palestinians threw bricks at them from a rooftop near the camp school.

Israeli forces opened fire at the camp after the incident, and called for reinforcements in order to evacuate the injured soldiers.

Director of emergency services Muhammad Awad said that eight Palestinians were injured with rubber bullets during the clashes, one of whom was shot in the head with a rubber-coated steel bullet when soldiers opened fire on protesters. He was later evacuated to the hospital.

Israeli forces also opened fire on the car of Associated Press photographer Iyad Hamad as he was covering the clashes.

15 individuals suffered from excessive tear gas inhalation during the clashes.

Soldiers also inspected vehicles in camp and prevented the movement of locals, despite the heavy presence of tear gas in residential areas.

Israeli police spokesperson Luba al-Samri said that Palestinian youths threw "improvised explosive devices" and Molotov cocktails towards members of the border guard near Rachel's Tomb, and confirmed that two border guards had been wounded after being struck by rocks and empty bottles.

The clashes come a day after heavy clashes in the camp, as locals protested against Israeli forces' killing of three Palestinians during a raid in the northern West Bank city of Jenin on Saturday.

During those clashes, Israeli forces detained three journalists and tried to use them as "human shields," one of the journalists told Ma'an.