CPTnet
 March 1, 2005

AT-TUWANI REFLECTION: A different vision of the future

by Art Gish

At a time when the policy of the Israeli government involves keeping
Israelis and Palestinians separate (apartheid), Israeli peace activists are
living according to a different vision for the future. Instead of bowing to
fear, they reach out in love to their Palestinian cousins. Against the
wishes of the Israeli government, these Israelis are traveling to the West
Bank and maintaining relationships with Palestinians. Instead of accepting
the repressive nature of the Israeli occupation, these activists are able to
see the failings of their own government and their own people.

Palestinians trust these Israelis and have their phone numbers. Every time
Israeli settlers attack the Palestinians here, Israeli activists will be
there with their Palestinian friends in the next few days, if not in the
next few hours. After the violent attack by settlers on 16 February in
At-Tuwani, Israeli activists were out in the mountains with At Tuwani
shepherds the next day. They have come in the night when villagers were
attacked by soldiers. They have slept in the village to help prevent
attacks.

Each October and November, Israelis come to help protect Palestinians from
settler attacks as the Palestinians pick their olives. Within two days
after Israeli settlers destroyed 200 olive trees in the village of Ma'im,
Israelis were there replanting trees. In April and May, the Israelis come
to protect the Palestinian farmers and their barley harvest, some of which
settlers burn each year.

Most Palestinians never have any positive contact with Jews. Their only
contacts with Jews involve settlers and soldiers--relationships that are
oppressive and degrading. The people of At-Tuwani have a different
perspective. Repeatedly I have sat with Israelis and Palestinians, Jews,
Muslims, and Christians breaking bread together. These relationships are
visible demonstrations of a future that could be.