News from the Region
2007 Olive Harvest Delegation
Report #5, Part 4 of 5
Palestinian Resistance Has Many Faces
By
Kathleen McQuillen
Mention Palestinian resistance in the US and the first image to come to mind is that of a suicide bomber -- for this is the only resistance acknowledged in US media and public discourse. Spending two weeks in Israel and Palestine revealed for me a wide array of resistance to the Israeli occupation. From helping children value themselves when the power structure around them demeans their person, to creating just economic structures, to putting one’s body on the line at roadblocks and separation walls – nonviolent active resistance is strong and growing in the Palestinian territories.
Amid the Israeli separation wall, barbed wire, road closures, deceptive permit demands, armed military, look out towers, house demolitions, and tree uprootings, Palestinians are working together and sometimes with Israelis, to create a new reality for themselves – one based on peace with justice.
I am truly blessed that so many resisters shared so generously their stories with this delegation from the US and Canada. The following are just a few of the many stories.
Wi’am Center (In Arabic “wi’am” means “ cordial relationship”)
Zoughbi Zoughbi explained the Wi’am Center, in Bethlehem, is an organization focused on counseling and citizen diplomacy. They respond to changing needs in the Palestinian community and promote nonviolent conflict resolution. Wi’am was one of several community centers we visited that provide social workers to help young people “cope” with the trauma in their lives. “We cannot heal at this time. The trauma is too present,” said Zoughbi.
Some of the programs offered to help children value themselves and learn that they have a role in their future include: Kids club, health screening, cultural celebrations and counseling.
Zoughbi noted that it is easy to despair in Palestine but Wi’am works to inject a message of hope and to help children and families understand that “peace is a collective responsibility” and there is a role for everyone.
Palestinian Fair Trade Association (PFTA)
This network of producing cooperatives includes 600 farms working to create a viable alternative economic structure in Palestine. An important principle of PFTA is environmental, social, and economic accountability throughout their processes.
Programs include:
Olive Oil production -- PFTA is the largest exporter of Palestinian olive oil to the US and Europe. Proceeds from the sale of such ensure a fair return to the farmers, processors, and distributors. A percentage of the profits are used to support new farmers with start up trees – priority is given to women and those who have lost trees to Israeli demolition practices.
Funds are also provided for college scholarships for children of PFTA members. Our delegation had the great privilege to be at the PFTA Olive Harvest Festival where the scholarships were presented. It was indeed a joyful experience.
Women’s Collective – provide an avenue for women to work and earn money, while avoiding the problems related to traditional cultural obstacles of working with men or working outside of the home. Women’s collectives make couscous (pasta) and olive oil soap.
Nader, one of the PFTA leaders, noted that sending “Palestinian products around the world is a political and economic statement. We are breaking the dependency created by the war and occupation.”
It’s hard to stop. There are so many stories to be told. It’s important to know too that there are great and courageous stories from Israelis who too are opposing the occupation and standing in solidarity with their brothers and sisters across the barriers. For more information on Israeli organizations, check out: Zochrot, Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, Bereaved Families Circle, to name just a few.
^ Top of page |
Email this page