Saturday our group had a meeting with someone who lives in the settlement of Efrat. "Settlement" probably conveys a different image than most imagine because this community has been there since the early 1980's. Thousands of residents live there. It has the look and amenities of a trendy suburban community in southern California.
We listened as Artie Geldman expressed his views:
* it's not a 'settlement' it's a 'neighborhood'
* he does not recognize the Green Line; they are in the 'land of Israel'
* they used to get along well with the nearby Arab village
* he opposes the Wall where it hurts Palestinians 'with no improvement in Israeli security'
* they used to get along well with Christian Palestinians
* the conflict used to be over land but it is now a struggle against 'Islamofascism'
* the conflict used to be over land but it is now a struggle against 'Islamofascism'
* Americans who benefitted from the genocide of Native Americans have no right to criticise Israel
Artie grew up in Chicago. He meets with various visiting groups who are curious about settlements such as Efrat. He also consults with and advises 'large philanthropic donors from the US'. I suppose Artie is advising them how to donate to expand or benefit these settlements. Do they get tax write-offs for this? If so, why??! These settlements are at the crux of the Israeli - Palestinian conflict. They have effectively rendered impossible a two state solution. And yet our government rewards donors who give money for this to perpetuate the conflict??!
It was a strange coincidence that this settlement (Efrat) is beside the village Wadi An-Nis where there had been the demonstration last Friday. In fact it is because of Efrat that the wall has been routed deep inside Palestinian territory and effectively stolen a lot of good farm land. We had supported the farmer to go onto his land for the first time in five years while settlers from Efrat shouted abuse.
We had seen two sides of the coin: Efrat with its wealth and benefits; Wadi An-Nis which is struggling to keep a minimum of what it has against more and more restrictions and take-aways.
1 comment:
Thanks for your reports, Rick. You succinctly capture the action and issues in which you are engaged. You have important skills that you are contributing. I am printing out your entries for Larry. There is going to be a demonstration against the occupation in DC this weekend. Even Roseanne Barr (who is Jewish) the comedian has sent a message opposing the occupation. Today's (6/8/07) Democracy Now was dedicated to the Palestinian struggle. Take care. Candy
Post a Comment