This week has been far from dull here in Jerusalem and Ramallah. If you have not been paying attention to the news about the Palestinian bid for statehood in the UN, I recommend that you crawl out from under your rock and turn on the news, log onto ANY news website, or watch The Daily Show. Jon Stewart is spot-on here, http://www.haaretz.com/culture/jon-stewart-lampoons-obama-s-stance-on-palestinian-statehood-1.386237 or BBC summarizes the situation fairly well, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13701636
It seems that the world is focused on what is happening here, it is strange to be here in the center of it. Wednesday was Demonstration Day in Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jerusalem. The Palestinains were showing their support for their nation. Over the past week there have been Palestinians flags everywhere; on cars, in store fronts, on churches, at houses. It very much reminded me of the patriotism seen in the US shortly after 9/11. The Palestinian solidarity was an incredible thing to see. The demonstrations remained largely peaceful with most Palestinians understanding the importance of non-violence in holding credibility internationally. I am strictly prohibited from attending demonstrations or being in the city centers at this time just in case things become violent. In this journey of accompaniment, it feels strange to isolate myself from the Palestinian people at this time, though it is good to know we have people looking out for our safety. I am currently sitting in the cozy home of friends on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. I have been reading “The Lemon Tree” by Sandy Tolan, reading the news, and best of all – eating chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon rolls all day. The comfort of my current situation stands in stark contrast to the uncertainty of the upcoming weeks. From here we can hear Israeli police helicopters flying over, spying on us, trying to keep an eye on everything happening in East Jerusalem and ready to take action if demonstrations begin. From here I can also see a large Israeli flag flying in a nearby settlement, hear the call to prayer every few hours from a nearby Mosque, and see the Old City bellow. These symbols are a constant reminder of the reality of this city; how close yet how far Palestinian and Israeli life comes to overlapping. It is a much different reality for those in Ramallah, where I live, where Palestinians may only cross the Qalandia checkpoint and enter into Jerusalem if they have a special permit. (Even then, the checkpoint is controlled by the Israeli Defense Force and could take up to three hours to get through at rush hour or even be closed). Similarly, Israelis are technically not allowed to enter the West Bank therefore making interaction between Israelis and Palestinians near impossible. With these realities, it is understandable that the conflict between these two groups continues to perpetuate. There are few opportunities for Palestinians and Israelis to see the humanity of one another’s lives. In many cases, the two populations are invisible to one another until they are approached by conflict.
Having lived here for almost three weeks, I have seen a lot, heard many stories, and definitely formed some opinions. What do I think about what will go down in the UN today? Palestine deserves a state. The US continues to say that the recognition of a Palestinian state would be disastrous for peace talks with Israel. I strongly disagree. The recognition of a Palestinian state will challenge the power structure of the US/Israeli bully alliance. The US will no doubt lose much credibility throughout the world, especially in the Middle East. If the US uses its veto, it will definitely be a low point for US foreign policy. Here is an interesting article about Bill Clinton’s support of Palestine. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/bill-clinton-netanyahu-isn-t-interested-in-mideast-peace-deal-1.386222 It is quite insightful considering the former president’s experience in these politics. I image Hilary will not be saying the same thing when she speaks to the UN today…It will be interesting to see what happens in the UN over the next few weeks.
But what will happen on the ground? The thing that worries me the most is the disappointment of Palestinians if the US vetos, or if Abbas does not submit a bid to the Security Council. Also, Israeli settler violence and aggression toward Palestinians because they feel they must defend their settlements. I also fear that Palestinains will not see the relief and freedom that they have waited for. That the Israeli occupation of the West Bank with not end. That the building of settlements will continue in the West Bank. That Israel will continue to demolish houses of Palestinians. I fear that IDF soldiers will be increasingly aggressive and restrictive toward Palestinians in the West Bank. I that the failure of Palestine to receive full membership in the UN will result in a weaker state and weakening solidarity. I fear that extremists from both sides will see this as an opportunity to insight terror in the lives of others.
I have hope that peace is ultimately the goal of the leaders of these nations and the world. I pray that the politics and diplomatic process do not overshadow the need for the recognition of basic human rights for people on all sides of this conflict. And so, we wait to see what happens…
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