arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

Silence of the nations…………..

Destruction, home demolitions, innocents dying; what more are you waiting for? All eyes are concentrated on the Iraqi issue and Israeli is playing freely with the ball inside the Palestinians territories. It is true that Israel has withdrawn from Bethlehem District as a part of Bethlehem/Gaza deal, but they are still surrounding the city of Gaza, entering into the Palestinian areas and committing more war crimes. Just a few hours ago a 14month old baby died as a result of a tear gas attack against Palestinians in the market in Hebron. I hope you are all aware of what is really happening in the rest of the Palesitnians cities. All but Bethlehem and Jericho are still under harshly imposed curfews and siege. Israeli tanks and bulldozers are in the process of making many more Palestinians families homeless.

In the Bethlehem District our children are going to school and colleges regularly but sadly the rest of the children in Palestine are unable to do so. Many teachers have established neighbourhood schools inside homes and garages. The children bring a chair or a small rug to sit on. Children are willing to give so much for a chance to have a future and are willing to try and learn despite the dangerous and difficult circumstances forced upon them. Our children in Bethlehem District feel privileged in comparison to other Palestinians in Gaza or Ramallah or Nablus, but they feel very sad. They cannot understand why the soldiers prevent their Palestinian friends from going to school. Isn't a basic right that each human who wants to learn should be given the chance?

The current situation is very disturbing. We are all very worried and waiting for worse to come. I fear for my children and my family and friends. If the United States does attack Iraq, which seems very likely given the attitude of George Bush, I believe in my heart that Israel will take full advantage to eradicate the name of Palestine, and all of us Palestinians, out of existence. I fear the future; I fear for us all.