AL-KHALIL (HEBRON): CPT Palestine January 2017 Newsletter–A Method to the Madness, UNICEF visit to Tel-Rumeida, and more..

A Method to the Madness

The Occupation of the Palestinian Territories has been in existence for the past fifty years.  There are numerous daily reminders to a Palestinian how this Occupation has wreaked havoc on their lives and the lives of their children.  Few Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza are old enough to know what it is to walk freely without Id checks, without fear of being detained, arrested, having ones home broken into by soldiers and/or settlers, or just being able to move freely in their own town, let alone travel easily out of town.

The checkpoint is one of the most egregious obstacles in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and is a constant reminder to the Palestinian of their lack of ability to navigate  through the town freely without having to pass through a metal detector at least once or twice a day on their way to work, school, shopping or just to visit a friend… Read more

Abu Saad creates art works in bottles of colored sand and is always ready with a cup of coffee and a story. 
Several years ago, Abu Saad went to Jordan to teach them how to fly commercial airplanes. He learned that Palestinians are not allowed to do that; but, as he says, “That’s not the first time a Palestinian has experienced difficulty”. He looked around for something else to do and became fascinated with creating art work in bottles of sand. However, he learned that current craftsmen only teach the techniques to family members. Once again, he “experienced difficulty”… Read more

One hundred years ago…

‘What’s your name?’ ‘How old are you?’ ‘Are you married?’ – the last a surprising question from the lips of a small Palestinian child trying out her English on the streets of Hebron. Adults are more cautious: ‘Where (are) you from?’ is a common ice-breaker.
Several times over the years I have been asked that question by Palestinians whose English is as limited as my Arabic, and have been surprised by their one-word response to my admission that I come from England : ‘Balfour!’. Enough said. They know their history. They know all about the rather inglorious role the British played in the history of the region, and in the history of Palestine in particular.
One hundred years ago a letter ‘that changed the future’ was sent by Arthur Balfour – then British Foreign Secretary – to the leaders of the Jewish community in the United Kingdom. It conveyed the message that ‘his majesty’s government view with favour the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people….’ Read more

Two brothers from Al-Khalil

Gasim and Waleed are two brothers who were born, and have grown up in the Old City of al-Khalil (Hebron). They are from a big family, with five brothers and three sisters. We spoke with them about what their life has been like, what their hopes are and what they see as important to create change.

G: “I left my school when I was 12 years old. I left my school because when you are born in the Old City of Hebron, in the middle of Israeli settlements, and the military it’s difficult to live. When I left my school I worked, to help myself and my family. It was my choice…
I know a lot of people who have left school because they can’t see a future for themselves.
Actually, leaving was good for me. I would like to study, but when I left my school I learnt a lot of things, and I have had lots of experiences… Read more