This month finds Jeff Halper speaking from the Baq’a Valley across from the Kiryat Arba settlement, Hebron, where he is with his friend of nearly thirty years, Atta Jaber. They stand together on what was his last remaining strip of land now cleared of his grapevines because the Israeli highway is being expanded onto it.
Atta describes the pain in his heart. He is rooted to the land but now it is being taken by the state of Israel in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. He said that despite this loss, even if left with just one percent, they like other Palestinians, will not leave – this is their sumud. Because the sun rises each day, they have hope of a better day coming to Palestine.
When Jeff asked Atta what internationals should do, his reply was to keep active on their behalf – with the demonstrations, going to parliaments, and boycotting. Knowing what internationals are doing gives them happiness and the soul and spirit to continue. The recording ends with a call to visit Palestine – and Atta Jaber.
Atta Jaber surrounded by his grapes – 2024