The world has been rightly shocked,stunned and stimulated into action over the natural disaster in Haiti. Fire crews from the UK have been deployed into this disaster zone to rescue the living and recover the dead, that is right and that is humane that but lets just think about why this occurs. When the "God" of nature strikes the rest of humanity reacts in a way that is as credit to us as human beings, well apart from the Daily Mail, obviously!
But yet we react in this way to natural disasters but we react in a totally different way to human disasters, why? I am not for one moment, decrying the need for humanitarian aid for the people of Haiti, I am not saying that these poor people should be denied aid from the West but lets just think about the world as it is today. An entire nation needing assistance from the world after a cruel attack from a "natural" force as opposed to an entire nation needing assistance after a cruel attack from a "human" force. What is the difference? We have seen the the blockade of the Gaza Convoy from entering Gaza by a Government that now supports an international assistance policy for Haiti, cool, we all do! So why not support a similar policy for Gaza?
A good mate of mine has been arrested and will stand trial (now theres a first) in Palestine for resisting the illegal occupation of his country by an occupying force. My mate is committed to non violent resistance and his actions had ultimately lead to the return of 30 dunums of land to Palestinians......;Oh the price he has paid for that!
I am not comparing the suffering of Haitions over the last 96 hours to the suffering of Palestinians over the last 63 years but if you are going to get involved in assisting people in struggling agains the odds then look at man made disasters like the occupation of Palestine, but then again, if you look to support to the Palestinians then you may have to look at blame of a group human beings.......its easier to blame a "natural" disaster! Read this! http://palsolidarity.org/2010/01/10594
Friday, 15 January 2010
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Nablus in London
Well, I am back in the UK after a 36 hour trip which included the famous security checks and interrogation at the airport in Tel Aviv. I have to say that it was less rigorous than the last time I went through the airport. I left the apartment in Nablus at 10 am on Wednesday and as I walked through the city to the Service station it was with great sadness that I was leaving. I had said my goodbyes to the fantastic internationals I had been living and working with for the last month and i am sure we will see each other again at some point in the future. I have said it before but it is worth saying again, their determination, passion for justice and energy make me confident that there the next generation can make a huge difference and the left is in good hands if these wonderful people continue as they are doing, thanks comrades and keep up the fantastic work you are all doing, you are making a positive difference to the lives of Palestinians. Also the sadness at the fantastic Palestinians I had met and became friends with. Thier email addresses and contact details have been mailed back but due to the CWU strike it may take a while to get to me. But that is a small price to pay for the battle that postal workers are involved in for all of us, so keep strong posties!
The crossing at Qaliquilya took about 30 minutes which wasnt too bad, though to have to factor this into your day every time you cross into East Jerusalem can only be imagined how shit it is for Palestinians. So from the other side of the wall I made my way to the hostel where it all started 1 month earlier, dumped my rucksack and went to the post office to send back all the memory cards, contact details etc etc because if the Israelies find these at the airport it could mean big trouble for any Palestinians whose details they find and also for the ISMers. There has been anumber of ISMers labeled "enemy of the state of Israel" recently and this obviously means that they will not be allowed to enter Palestine again.
I had a few hours to kill in Al Quds, which I spent walking around the old city and taking pics to have at least something on my camera that would point to the 1 month "holiday" I had taken in Israel if questioned by the immigration police at the airport. I also had a beer! the first in a month and it didnt touch the sides so I had another one near to Damascus gate. It was alot less tense than the last time I was there to sort the visas for the Nablus firefighters. I went back to the hostel and had a good natter with an Argentinian and a Polish guy about footie, it tunred out the Argentinian was in the army during the Falklands but didnt get sent to the Malvinas so we had that in common, because I was in the British Army at the same time but was in Germany.
Eventually the time came for my Nesher to the airport and I got there around 1.15 for a 4.30 flight. 6 security checks later and I was sat on the plane with an empty seat next to me! So with a bit of room to spread out I promptly fell asleep. Got to Amsterdam on time and had 6 hours to kill, which went really bloody slowly and then the plane to Bristol was delayed but only by 20 mins. Tim met me at Bristol and took me up to his house for an hour or so to see his kids which was great. His lad, Billy wants to send his footie magazines to the refugee camp in Ramallah for the kids to use in their English lessons, good lad Billster!
I then went to Frome to see Trace and Georgia which was great, they had been so supportive whilst I had been away.
I was due to move into my new flat today but that has been postponed until tomorrow because the firefighters from Nablus are staying in London tonight so I have been invited along with John M, Big Kev and Dave C, so the flat can wait! The Nablus gang dont know I am going so it should be a big surprise for them.
I am still thinking about the whole experience of my month with ISM but there are 3 conclusions I have come to, these are:
The crossing at Qaliquilya took about 30 minutes which wasnt too bad, though to have to factor this into your day every time you cross into East Jerusalem can only be imagined how shit it is for Palestinians. So from the other side of the wall I made my way to the hostel where it all started 1 month earlier, dumped my rucksack and went to the post office to send back all the memory cards, contact details etc etc because if the Israelies find these at the airport it could mean big trouble for any Palestinians whose details they find and also for the ISMers. There has been anumber of ISMers labeled "enemy of the state of Israel" recently and this obviously means that they will not be allowed to enter Palestine again.
I had a few hours to kill in Al Quds, which I spent walking around the old city and taking pics to have at least something on my camera that would point to the 1 month "holiday" I had taken in Israel if questioned by the immigration police at the airport. I also had a beer! the first in a month and it didnt touch the sides so I had another one near to Damascus gate. It was alot less tense than the last time I was there to sort the visas for the Nablus firefighters. I went back to the hostel and had a good natter with an Argentinian and a Polish guy about footie, it tunred out the Argentinian was in the army during the Falklands but didnt get sent to the Malvinas so we had that in common, because I was in the British Army at the same time but was in Germany.
Eventually the time came for my Nesher to the airport and I got there around 1.15 for a 4.30 flight. 6 security checks later and I was sat on the plane with an empty seat next to me! So with a bit of room to spread out I promptly fell asleep. Got to Amsterdam on time and had 6 hours to kill, which went really bloody slowly and then the plane to Bristol was delayed but only by 20 mins. Tim met me at Bristol and took me up to his house for an hour or so to see his kids which was great. His lad, Billy wants to send his footie magazines to the refugee camp in Ramallah for the kids to use in their English lessons, good lad Billster!
I then went to Frome to see Trace and Georgia which was great, they had been so supportive whilst I had been away.
I was due to move into my new flat today but that has been postponed until tomorrow because the firefighters from Nablus are staying in London tonight so I have been invited along with John M, Big Kev and Dave C, so the flat can wait! The Nablus gang dont know I am going so it should be a big surprise for them.
I am still thinking about the whole experience of my month with ISM but there are 3 conclusions I have come to, these are:
- The work of ISM needs to be publicised and individuals encouraged to work with this group.
- The BDS campaign has to be effectively organised and carried out with individuals, organisations and politicians, this is what Paestinians see as the key to self determination.
- Spreading the real stories from Palestine as a way of educating people whose main source of information is the right wing media and Israeli propoganda spouted in the press.
I will be putting more meat on the bones of these ideas in the coming days, and who knows maybe another blog will be started.
So thanks for reading this and if you do anything this weekend make sure you Boycott Israeli goods and services!
Monday, 19 October 2009
Last day in Nablus
Firstly, thanks to all those followers and random readers who have been following this blog over the last month. When I set out I had the intention of telling things as I have found them in Palestine. I have said before I am not a journalist so the reportage isnt that great but I have tried to as descriptive and accurate as possible mixed in with my own thoughts and feelings along the way. It obviously doesnt appeal to all and the views I have put on here have upset some but mostly comments have been positive so thanks again.
Today was my last day of picking in Palestine, I would upload the picture of my last olive picked but the connection is so slow that I will wait to do this until I get back. We went to the village of Burin and picked close to a settler road, that is a road that only Israelis can use. Right below us was the tunnel that Palestinians have to use to get to the other side of the road.A tunnel!!!!! Now the word "apartheid" has been used before and many Zionists dismiss this using the "security" argument, but I have to say that is a clear symbol of the apartheid being practised by the Israeli state against the Palestinian people, plain and simple. I was surprised by how this affected me, I knew of their existance, I have seen pictures of them, but to see this close up really brought it home how fucked up the Israeli state can be and the plight of the people of Palestine is in thehands of a state that allows and promotes this kind of treatment to other human beings. But what really got to me was how the rest of the world is allowing this to happen, and forget the US support for Israel, we Europeans are allowing this, Australia and the rest of the developed world is allowing this to continue. I was talking to someone I was out with in the fields a few days ago and talk got round to, as it always does a potential solution and I asked if he thought it would be different if the Palestinians had oil,did he think the attitude of the west would be different, he shrugged his shoulders, looked at his feet and said " Why would it be? Israel would have the oil anyway".
Anyway, my post trip analysis will come later. But for now a little about the current situaltion here, all the ISMers here are totally knackered after almost 3 weeks solid of up early, a days picking, back to the aprtment, eat, plan sleep and then it all starts again. The harvest is quietening down a little now. Most villages have harvested the dangerous areas and moving into more secure areas. One of the Danes who I havent been out with much over the last 10 days always seems to have problems with settlers whilst I have been relatively settler free, the consensus in the house is that I exude "Settler reppelant". Which if its true then I will bottle and give to every Palestinian, cos by fuck they deserve it! The truth is I have been lucky, for many Palestinians they are not so fortunate. We have heard tonight that at a nearby village settler have uprooted a number of trees,nice eh? Since 2002 it is estimated that 500,000 olive trees have been destroyed, by bulldozer, chainsaw, fire, poison or theft.Half a million trees? Have guees how many prosecutions have been successful? No prizes for this one I'm afraid!
So tomorrow I am off to say my goodbyes to friends I have made in the wonderful city of Nablus. I am not normally a city sort of person but I feel so at home here, the noise, the confusion, the smells and the mountains. I havent had the same feel in Ramallah or Hebron. It just feels like a place I could happily stay, although a place to buy a pint would be nice! I will probably not post now until the weekend and that will be my last, so once again thanks for following my first attempt at a blog.
One last thing before I go th bed, it would be immoral to just be given this opportunity, go home and do nothing so if any group, committee or organisation would like a presentation of this last month, formal or informal then please get in touch. The people of Palestine deserve to have their story told to a wide an audience as possible.
ta ta
Today was my last day of picking in Palestine, I would upload the picture of my last olive picked but the connection is so slow that I will wait to do this until I get back. We went to the village of Burin and picked close to a settler road, that is a road that only Israelis can use. Right below us was the tunnel that Palestinians have to use to get to the other side of the road.A tunnel!!!!! Now the word "apartheid" has been used before and many Zionists dismiss this using the "security" argument, but I have to say that is a clear symbol of the apartheid being practised by the Israeli state against the Palestinian people, plain and simple. I was surprised by how this affected me, I knew of their existance, I have seen pictures of them, but to see this close up really brought it home how fucked up the Israeli state can be and the plight of the people of Palestine is in thehands of a state that allows and promotes this kind of treatment to other human beings. But what really got to me was how the rest of the world is allowing this to happen, and forget the US support for Israel, we Europeans are allowing this, Australia and the rest of the developed world is allowing this to continue. I was talking to someone I was out with in the fields a few days ago and talk got round to, as it always does a potential solution and I asked if he thought it would be different if the Palestinians had oil,did he think the attitude of the west would be different, he shrugged his shoulders, looked at his feet and said " Why would it be? Israel would have the oil anyway".
Anyway, my post trip analysis will come later. But for now a little about the current situaltion here, all the ISMers here are totally knackered after almost 3 weeks solid of up early, a days picking, back to the aprtment, eat, plan sleep and then it all starts again. The harvest is quietening down a little now. Most villages have harvested the dangerous areas and moving into more secure areas. One of the Danes who I havent been out with much over the last 10 days always seems to have problems with settlers whilst I have been relatively settler free, the consensus in the house is that I exude "Settler reppelant". Which if its true then I will bottle and give to every Palestinian, cos by fuck they deserve it! The truth is I have been lucky, for many Palestinians they are not so fortunate. We have heard tonight that at a nearby village settler have uprooted a number of trees,nice eh? Since 2002 it is estimated that 500,000 olive trees have been destroyed, by bulldozer, chainsaw, fire, poison or theft.Half a million trees? Have guees how many prosecutions have been successful? No prizes for this one I'm afraid!
So tomorrow I am off to say my goodbyes to friends I have made in the wonderful city of Nablus. I am not normally a city sort of person but I feel so at home here, the noise, the confusion, the smells and the mountains. I havent had the same feel in Ramallah or Hebron. It just feels like a place I could happily stay, although a place to buy a pint would be nice! I will probably not post now until the weekend and that will be my last, so once again thanks for following my first attempt at a blog.
One last thing before I go th bed, it would be immoral to just be given this opportunity, go home and do nothing so if any group, committee or organisation would like a presentation of this last month, formal or informal then please get in touch. The people of Palestine deserve to have their story told to a wide an audience as possible.
ta ta
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Creeps in Jeeps and wanks in tanks
Ok, so there wasnt any tanks today but plenty of jeeps and IOF engagement this morning. We went to the village of Salem to the east of Nablus and as we arrived there was what looked like an exodus going out of the village. Around 200 people and vehicles blocked the single track and stood patiently waiting for the IOF to allow them access to their land on the other side of the military road that lead to the settlement. We arrived after a 20 minute walk and stood with the villagesin front of the road gate and spoke with our contact. The IOF, once they spotted the dreaded internationals, said that no Palestinian would be allowed access unless we moved to the other side of the gate. Which we did. The IOF then said that no Palestinian would be allowed unless they all moved to the other side of the gate. Which they didnt! After about 20 mins of this stand off the IOF eventually they relented and said that only peoplewould be allowed on foot and that it was a closed military zone and no internationals would be allowed in the area.
The rules then changed again and that tractors would be allowed into the CMZ. Which was bullshit but thats what happens day in day out, rules changing at the whim of teenager with an M16! After about another 20 minutes they opened the road gate and allowed all vehicles access but not until the drivers had handed over their IDs and all vehicle regs had been taken. This then left a ragged group of internationals and a few Palestinians.
Myself and another were delegated to try and negotiate with the IOF to all access for us. My negotiating skills have obviously not got any better and we were told in no uncertain terms that we wouldnot be allowed access. We asked to see the CMZ Order and surprisingly were shown it.....In Hebrew and Arabic! We had an Arabic speaker with us and it did appear genuine although with one or two possible in roads that may be aboe to be challenged but the chances of success are tiny.
I must admit I was really pissed off at the stance taken by the IOF, not surprised but the randomness of the changing orders, the arrogance of these kids with weapons and the resignation with wich the villages accepted this continuing total occupation and interferance in all aspects of their lives.
As I was trying to reason with Pvt Pike I looked to where the rest of the group were waiting and caught the eye of another Brit. A surrepticious wanker sign conveyed the current situation and did make me feel a bit better, very childish I know.
Well, tomorrow is the big day......in a small town in East Lancs the big boys visit, Burnley will score their first away goal and get their first away victory....oh yes and there is the small issue of some land being given back to the Palestinians which is bloody amaxing so there is to be a planting of 40 olive trees to mark this almost unprecedented occassion!
La Luca Continua
Ta ta
The rules then changed again and that tractors would be allowed into the CMZ. Which was bullshit but thats what happens day in day out, rules changing at the whim of teenager with an M16! After about another 20 minutes they opened the road gate and allowed all vehicles access but not until the drivers had handed over their IDs and all vehicle regs had been taken. This then left a ragged group of internationals and a few Palestinians.
Myself and another were delegated to try and negotiate with the IOF to all access for us. My negotiating skills have obviously not got any better and we were told in no uncertain terms that we wouldnot be allowed access. We asked to see the CMZ Order and surprisingly were shown it.....In Hebrew and Arabic! We had an Arabic speaker with us and it did appear genuine although with one or two possible in roads that may be aboe to be challenged but the chances of success are tiny.
I must admit I was really pissed off at the stance taken by the IOF, not surprised but the randomness of the changing orders, the arrogance of these kids with weapons and the resignation with wich the villages accepted this continuing total occupation and interferance in all aspects of their lives.
As I was trying to reason with Pvt Pike I looked to where the rest of the group were waiting and caught the eye of another Brit. A surrepticious wanker sign conveyed the current situation and did make me feel a bit better, very childish I know.
Well, tomorrow is the big day......in a small town in East Lancs the big boys visit, Burnley will score their first away goal and get their first away victory....oh yes and there is the small issue of some land being given back to the Palestinians which is bloody amaxing so there is to be a planting of 40 olive trees to mark this almost unprecedented occassion!
La Luca Continua
Ta ta
Friday, 16 October 2009
Best of the West (Bank!)
Today the intrepid ISMers went to several different villages to offer our unique brand of protection and labour the the local farmers. I along with 3 other internationals went east to the village of Beit Dajan. The morning was already hot as we set out at 7.00 and caught a taxi to the village where we met our contact. After coffee at his house we walked for about 20 mins and then climbed a bloody big hill, I must admit I was blowing a bit by the time we reached the top. A lifetimes dedication to smoking and drinking took its toll but I was only a minute or two behind the kids so not too bad.
The view from the top was staggering, imagine the Lake District without greenery or lakes or rivers and with watchtowers and settlements and you are somewhere near to where we were today.
They were expecting some shinannigans as they didnt hve permission to pick today but in the end there wasnt any problems. But was exceptional was the family. For al start they were all men and boys, not a woman or a girl in the picking party. The Grandfather and his two sons, and their kids in total about 11 of them were just so close and had so much fun, the banter the practical jokes were non stop. The two dads larked along with their kids and the sound of laughter was constant throughout the day.Along with copious amounts of food. The three youngest lads, I guess age range from 9 to about 13 were the dogsbodies, they fetched and carried all day long with not a grumble or a moan between them. When we were fed they waited until the adults had finished and ate what was left. The youngest in particular had the cheekiest face I have ever seen and reminded so much of one of my nephews. Everything he said the adults creased with laughter and I did too even though I couldnt understand a word.
At the end of the day we went back to the families house and they fed us again. The house filled with love and laughter, communication was basic but it was clear that this family were so close and in my small experience one of the best of the west!
On a sadder not we have just heard reports of a couple of internationals being injured in an RTA on the outskirts of Nablus. It isnt any of the ISMers but other groups we dont know yet.
Its another early start in the morning so i am off the sort me shit out!
Ta ta
The view from the top was staggering, imagine the Lake District without greenery or lakes or rivers and with watchtowers and settlements and you are somewhere near to where we were today.
They were expecting some shinannigans as they didnt hve permission to pick today but in the end there wasnt any problems. But was exceptional was the family. For al start they were all men and boys, not a woman or a girl in the picking party. The Grandfather and his two sons, and their kids in total about 11 of them were just so close and had so much fun, the banter the practical jokes were non stop. The two dads larked along with their kids and the sound of laughter was constant throughout the day.Along with copious amounts of food. The three youngest lads, I guess age range from 9 to about 13 were the dogsbodies, they fetched and carried all day long with not a grumble or a moan between them. When we were fed they waited until the adults had finished and ate what was left. The youngest in particular had the cheekiest face I have ever seen and reminded so much of one of my nephews. Everything he said the adults creased with laughter and I did too even though I couldnt understand a word.
At the end of the day we went back to the families house and they fed us again. The house filled with love and laughter, communication was basic but it was clear that this family were so close and in my small experience one of the best of the west!
On a sadder not we have just heard reports of a couple of internationals being injured in an RTA on the outskirts of Nablus. It isnt any of the ISMers but other groups we dont know yet.
Its another early start in the morning so i am off the sort me shit out!
Ta ta
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Bobs Story
I have just come back from a couple of hours in the city, I had a few personal jobs to sort and as we had enough people out with the villages it was agreed that I could have the morning off!!!!
One of the jobs was to get my haircut as I was starting to look a bit like Worzel Gummidge with a tan. The first few barbers shops I passed were quite busy so I left them alone, I then came across an empty barbers, now I know now why it was empty but at the time I thought I was lucky. I sat down and from a room in the back entered the oldest man in Nablus! If this had been in England the shop would have been known as " Squinting Alberts" or something like that. With a mixture of English, Arabic and sign we established what I wanted and he got to work. The squinting was bad enough and the shaking I could cope with until he got out the cut throat razor. I was a little worried that I would lose an ear and that would make me unable to read as I wouldnt be able to put on my readers but after about half an hour I had a haircut, both my ears and as they say up north, there is only a week between a bad haircut and a good un!
After that I had arranged to meet one of the firefighters from the station who I shall call Bob. Bob has a second job in an electrical shop close to the city center and has been a firefighter for 14 years. He is very quietlys[oken and definately the quietest one on the watch, all the other firefighters have so much respect for Bob and he is definately one of the favourites on his watch. His quiet disposition is at odds with the loud banter that is heard around the station but this is not a barrier to the time his comrades have for him. He had offered and I had accepted an invitation to show me around the old city and as we walked many many people greeted him with a smile and a handshake. In 2002 Bob was riding the water carrier and he and the driver were returning from delivering water to the hospital as the Israelis had cut off all water to the city during the "big invasion" of that year. Bob was sat in the passenger seat when he was shot in the right shoulder by the IOF, the bullet missing his head by inches. He was treated in hospital and back at work only months after the attack with an injury that in the UK would see you pensioned off. His dedication and commitment to helping the people of Nablus is magnificent and acredit to him, his colleagues and his profession.
As we walked around the old city he pointed out various landmarks, the oldest street, the Victory Mosque, the shops that sold the best Kanofeh ( a local delicacy that is ver sweet) and his favourite shop for buying music. Amongst these fascinating drops of information he casually said " and this is the house that was destroyed by an Isralei tank driving through it killing all 7 members of the same family". No resistance fighters, no terrorists just an ordinary family killed because a tank bulldozed their house. No explanation ever give, no charges ever laid at the driver or commanders just another example of the randomness of death in Palestine. Wrong place, wrong time, moody tank driver or commander and 7 die! The house is being rebuilt in the style of the old city but its clean stone compared to the dirt of centuries on the buildings around it give it a sterile feel, but time will remedy this but the stroy of the dead family will be kept alive by the people of Nablus. This story isnt unique, almost every family I have talked to has had or knows someone who has been shot, injured or killed. This is not to mention the many thousands who have been detained in Israeli jails under "Administrative Detention". The resigned look on Bobs face as he told me this showed that this is a fact of life for Palestinians just as going to the match, a gig or parents evenings are back home. Why the world community isnt taking severe action against this state terrorism is a question we should all be asking of our politicians and leaders.
On a lighter note, I did try to find a picket line or demo but the small delagation outside the Municipality Offices could understand me, which isnt unusual, I had the same problem once on a CWU picket line in Cornwall! Ahh my northern accent even a problem in my own country so what chance did I have in Palestine?
Right then I am going to make an attempt to tidy up the appartment as the other kids are all out playing peace activists and it needs doing.
Good luck to all involved in tomorrows strike in South Yorks and solidarity from the West Bank.
ta ta
One of the jobs was to get my haircut as I was starting to look a bit like Worzel Gummidge with a tan. The first few barbers shops I passed were quite busy so I left them alone, I then came across an empty barbers, now I know now why it was empty but at the time I thought I was lucky. I sat down and from a room in the back entered the oldest man in Nablus! If this had been in England the shop would have been known as " Squinting Alberts" or something like that. With a mixture of English, Arabic and sign we established what I wanted and he got to work. The squinting was bad enough and the shaking I could cope with until he got out the cut throat razor. I was a little worried that I would lose an ear and that would make me unable to read as I wouldnt be able to put on my readers but after about half an hour I had a haircut, both my ears and as they say up north, there is only a week between a bad haircut and a good un!
After that I had arranged to meet one of the firefighters from the station who I shall call Bob. Bob has a second job in an electrical shop close to the city center and has been a firefighter for 14 years. He is very quietlys[oken and definately the quietest one on the watch, all the other firefighters have so much respect for Bob and he is definately one of the favourites on his watch. His quiet disposition is at odds with the loud banter that is heard around the station but this is not a barrier to the time his comrades have for him. He had offered and I had accepted an invitation to show me around the old city and as we walked many many people greeted him with a smile and a handshake. In 2002 Bob was riding the water carrier and he and the driver were returning from delivering water to the hospital as the Israelis had cut off all water to the city during the "big invasion" of that year. Bob was sat in the passenger seat when he was shot in the right shoulder by the IOF, the bullet missing his head by inches. He was treated in hospital and back at work only months after the attack with an injury that in the UK would see you pensioned off. His dedication and commitment to helping the people of Nablus is magnificent and acredit to him, his colleagues and his profession.
As we walked around the old city he pointed out various landmarks, the oldest street, the Victory Mosque, the shops that sold the best Kanofeh ( a local delicacy that is ver sweet) and his favourite shop for buying music. Amongst these fascinating drops of information he casually said " and this is the house that was destroyed by an Isralei tank driving through it killing all 7 members of the same family". No resistance fighters, no terrorists just an ordinary family killed because a tank bulldozed their house. No explanation ever give, no charges ever laid at the driver or commanders just another example of the randomness of death in Palestine. Wrong place, wrong time, moody tank driver or commander and 7 die! The house is being rebuilt in the style of the old city but its clean stone compared to the dirt of centuries on the buildings around it give it a sterile feel, but time will remedy this but the stroy of the dead family will be kept alive by the people of Nablus. This story isnt unique, almost every family I have talked to has had or knows someone who has been shot, injured or killed. This is not to mention the many thousands who have been detained in Israeli jails under "Administrative Detention". The resigned look on Bobs face as he told me this showed that this is a fact of life for Palestinians just as going to the match, a gig or parents evenings are back home. Why the world community isnt taking severe action against this state terrorism is a question we should all be asking of our politicians and leaders.
On a lighter note, I did try to find a picket line or demo but the small delagation outside the Municipality Offices could understand me, which isnt unusual, I had the same problem once on a CWU picket line in Cornwall! Ahh my northern accent even a problem in my own country so what chance did I have in Palestine?
Right then I am going to make an attempt to tidy up the appartment as the other kids are all out playing peace activists and it needs doing.
Good luck to all involved in tomorrows strike in South Yorks and solidarity from the West Bank.
ta ta
Workers fighting for their rights
Firefighters in South Yorkshire are set to take strike action tomorrow in defence of their conditions of service, after their employers issued redundancy notices to unilaterally change shift patterns. What has this got to do with a blog from the Occupied Territories? Well today across the West Bank Public Sector employees are striking to....defend their conditions of service. There is a really good news website http://www.maannews.net/eng/Default.aspx with more details. But what if people needed more evidence of the links between working people wherever they are in struggle then this is one more.
Today I have a little time to sort some personal admin out in the city so I will take the opportunity to try and find picket lines and offer solidarity and support from the FBU. Last night I was out with the guys from the station as it was my birthday and they invited me to drink coffee with them, they also surprised me by having the biggest birthday cake I have seen over here and a few of the ISMers came along too, it was a wonderful couple of hours and the firefighters from Nablus send their solidarity to South Yorkshire members in their struggle, so if any FBU official is reading this can you please pass on to Jerry or Ian, ta.
I had one more surprise last night, when I got back to the apartment the other internationals had also got me a birthday cake and stood around and sang me happy birthday which was really great, the different accents and languages made it so special.So thanks comrades. I dont think I have ever had two cakes on one birthday before!I also spoke to my brother Steve who is following my Palestinian blog and he said some kind words so thanks kid and have a great time in Barca this weekend.
Right, I am off to the city to find a picket line and to do some other admin tasks.Hopefully the villages we are covering today will be trouble free and the Palestinians can continue their harvest and the ISMers can come back and finish off a bloody great cake!
Ta ta
Today I have a little time to sort some personal admin out in the city so I will take the opportunity to try and find picket lines and offer solidarity and support from the FBU. Last night I was out with the guys from the station as it was my birthday and they invited me to drink coffee with them, they also surprised me by having the biggest birthday cake I have seen over here and a few of the ISMers came along too, it was a wonderful couple of hours and the firefighters from Nablus send their solidarity to South Yorkshire members in their struggle, so if any FBU official is reading this can you please pass on to Jerry or Ian, ta.
I had one more surprise last night, when I got back to the apartment the other internationals had also got me a birthday cake and stood around and sang me happy birthday which was really great, the different accents and languages made it so special.So thanks comrades. I dont think I have ever had two cakes on one birthday before!I also spoke to my brother Steve who is following my Palestinian blog and he said some kind words so thanks kid and have a great time in Barca this weekend.
Right, I am off to the city to find a picket line and to do some other admin tasks.Hopefully the villages we are covering today will be trouble free and the Palestinians can continue their harvest and the ISMers can come back and finish off a bloody great cake!
Ta ta
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