Repeatedly, the latest group of internationals who participated in the recent ICAHD study tour to Palestine/Israel were met with such questions. Palestinians are staggered by world governments that not only support Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the West Bank, but who also facilitate it. Several expressed that they have no faith in the international community and question why people are so uninterested and dispassionate.
Fifteen people from six countries participated in the 11-day issue-based tour that took the group as far south as the Naqab (Negev), north into the Galilee, west to Jaffa, Tel Aviv and Haifa and east along the Jordan Valley. Most of the time, the group was based in Bethlehem. While there, Israel raided the Deheisheh Refugee Camp and delivered leaflets to that population of over 19,000 which said:
"Residents of Deheisheh Camp, Be Alert!
As you have already seen, the camps in the northern West Bank have paid a heavy price due to terrorist and militant activities.
Wherever there is terrorism, life is damaged.
Security forces will use all available means against any attempt or activity of this kind.
The one who has been warned is now without excuse!"
Despite Israeli army jeeps driving through the streets at night, Bethlehem was quiet, and we felt safe the entire time. The checkpoints were open and after being inspected by members of the Israeli army we were able to proceed with our daily programme.
One of our encounters was with Rabbi Arik Ascherman, Director of Torat-Tzedek (Torah of Justice), whom we met out in the field between Jerusalem and Jericho. He’d been up all night running between two shepherding communities who were being terrorized by extreme Israeli settlers. Rabbi Arik and his colleagues try their best to protect communities. They cannot promise them that justice will be done but can promise that they will not be alone in what they face.
This is the strongest message that we left with: Palestinians should not be left alone with utter feelings of abandonment by the world. We encourage you to visit even if it is to go stay in Bethlehem hotels for a few days to listen to their stories, and to visit the shops and restaurants because doing so will help them keep hope alive.
The next ICAHD study tour will be in November.
For analysis about the “big picture” remember to view Jeff Halper’s monthly recording of updates from on the ground, accessed through the ICAHD website.Â
We are thrilled that Jeff along with Issa Amro from Youth Against Settlements have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.