We entered Israel by land through the King Hussein (Allenby Bridge) crossing without difficulty. The first few miles were barren land occupied by the military. After passing through the Israeli checkpoint to enter Bethlehem, tension became evident. It was Friday, the most important day of the week for Muslims where they congregate to pray (typically in a mosque). As we drove to our hostel, we passed Muslims who were praying together in the middle of a two-lane one-way road, completely blocking the road from any oncoming traffic. We continued driving, only to find ourselves reversing up a narrow winding side street due to another blockade formed by a prayer gathering. Israel, 75.4% Jewish, 16.9% Muslim, 2.1% Christian, and 1.7% Druze is the first country where religious turbulence was vivid.
The West Bank Wall is the easiest way to become aware of the ongoing political strife. It is a separation barrier along the Green Line (see picture). Palestinians refer to the wall as racial segregation, where Israel calls it a security barrier against terrorism. The border wall pushes into Palestinian territory up to 18 Km in some locations. What was initially proposed as a temporary means to decrease suicide bombings coming from the West Bank is turning into a political border between Israel and Palestine. A portion of the West Bank Wall in Bethlehem is covered with graffiti art and letters from people who want to share their story.
Cracks in the Wall
One morning, while my father and I were drinking coffee, the Israeli military came into our village with bulldozers and digging machines. They wanted to build a road to prepare for the Wall. They started by blowing up rocks. The explosions felt like earthquakes. From that day on I warned all the people that these explosions could cause cracks in the walls of our houses. As soon as the army came into the village, I told my neighbors to open the window and leave their homes. After our protests, the army promised not to use dynamite, but after one and a half weeks they continued, even before morning prayers. Later on, they uprooted our olive trees and I started to take part in demonstrations and advocacy campaigns.
-Nadia, From Wallajeh
Summer School
My dream is to have a summer school outside Bethlehem. Every time we have a summer school it’s inside these walls. I just want to go outside, be free and have lots of room to play. Just forget the wall, forget our prison. When I grow up I’m going to be a creator, I hope I have the power to change the wall and create it into something else. Something that is harmless, that doesn’t hurt people or imprison them.
-Adnan, from Bethlehem
Drawing
I saw a kid of 8 years old drawing on the street. I was curious so I sat beside him, he looked at me but he kept drawing.
He was drawing a grave of a young boy. The young boy was sitting up in his grave ready to walk out of it. Another boy, younger than the boy in the grave, was standing next to it. He had a football in his hands. At the other side of the drawing the two boys were playing football together.
I saw a tear running down the boy’s cheek. I asked who the boy in the grave was and he answered, his brother. He didn’t need to say more, his brother died and all he wished for was his brother to come back.
By Fuad, from Bethlehem
Giving up on my first dreams
I finished last year of high school (tawjihi) with a grade of 94 out of 100. At the time I aspired to study law to defend the rights of the Palestinian people, especially women’s rights. However, my parents didn’t let me study law. So, I decided I wanted to study nursing, but again my parents rejected the idea because of the work shifts I would sometimes be required to do, as they do not feel that it is appropriate for woman to work at night. Finally, I got frustrated and I gave up on my dreams. In the end, I studied social education because it is very disciplined, which is fitting ofr girls as it prepares students to be a teacher and I like it. I believe I will be a successful teacher.
By Raneen, from Bethlehem
First dream…and the rest
Ruaa always dreamed of a world filled with love and compassion. She loved studying. Her father’s retirement payments got delayed. Her mother was determined to help her to stay in school and started selling fruits and herbs to help Ruaa pay for school. One day, Ruaa was wearing a slightly different uniform, so the principl told her she will be expelled if it happens again. When she arrived home, she saw her parents in the cold collecting plants to sell, and all she could do was cry. Tuaa promised herself to study and repay her parents for all the hardships they have gone through. She attended universityand shis is about to graduate now. She still dreams of the demise of the occupation, and to live in a beautiful world willed with love and tolerance. Since her first dream came true, she believes the rest can and will.
By Leyla, a friend of Ruaa, from Al-Khader
Ant
I wish I was an ant.
Ants are hard workers.
They provide their own food and they take care of each other.
They encourage hard work and faith in each other.
They have a strong will to live.
I want to be like an ant and be strong, a hard worker, care taker, and encourage other people.
By Usama, from Bethlehem
