J Halper in US, Return to Palestine/Israel

First presenting the political program of establishing a single and inclusive democracy over historic Palestine – the 10-point program formulated by the Palestinian-led One Democratic State Campaign, of which ICAHD is a charter member. Since this approach to achieving justice in Palestine/Israel is just in its infancy, much work and discussion are still needed before a critical mass of Palestinians adopt it, the intent is not (at this stage) to recruit people to the idea, but to open a discussion of a future resolution that will bring direction, focus and engagement to international supporters of the Palestinian struggle who need to see a way forward if they are to continue to be involved.

Second, by sharing what is happening in Palestine (heightened repression, demolitions, loss of land and settlement, Israel’s final push to consolidate its apartheid regime), analysis made more visual, powerful and understandable by the powerpoint presentation Jeff uses, activists are kept up-dated and motivated. Targeting strategic populations (students, activists on other issues, churches, the media and decision-makers), as well as the general public, grows our ranks.

In order to engage meaningfully with activists and the public, Jeff spends a week or so in selected areas. He began in Indiana and Michigan, where he was hosted by the Indiana Center for Middle East Peace (its Director, Michael Spath, is also the co-Director of ICAHD USA). From there he traveled to Boston, one of the centers of Palestinian advocacy in the US, where he met with key activists. He then finished his tour in Texas, presenting in Denton and Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. One meeting that stood out among the many he had was a presentation and discussion at the University of Houston, sponsored by Students for Justice in Palestine. Young Palestinians, be they in Palestine or in the Diaspora/Exile, are the key to the future of their people and, indeed, the region. It was a good if sometimes contentious meeting as Palestinian students struggle with the tension between absolute justice and the need to envision a future they must share with Israelis, who will remain a permanent presence in the country, albeit in a decolonized state.

At time when nothing has happened politically in Palestine/Israel for years (the last negotiations, futile as they were, were held by Kerry in 2014), when many feel a sense of helplessness as Israel mops up Palestinian resistance and establishes its apartheid regime, supported as always by the governments the world over, including Arab and Muslim ones, and when the Palestinians themselves lack leadership, organization and a political program, it is crucial to keep the international grassroots focused, political and engaged – knowing that the struggle is ultimately winnable.

Israel may be strong among governments, but that support is shallow and changeable. Israel has already lost in the Court of Public Opinion, which is why it has been reduced to weaponizing antisemitism. By contrast, the Palestinians are stronger than even they realize, having the support of masses the world over. Those masses, however, including the thousands of solidarity groups active around the world, need to be constantly re-energized and focused as we pass through this phase of the Palestinian struggle – which may be an extended one – in which the Palestinians themselves must re-engage with their far-flung communities in forging a way forward, one that then becomes our marching orders.

After 25 years as the head of ICAHD and thousands of meetings and presentations the world over, Jeff says the time is approaching when a new generation of advocates must step into the breach, Palestinian, critical Israeli and international alike. He remains ready – indeed eager – to help train that cadre.

Khalil Alamour stands on a hill overlooking Hura, one of the towns that Israel has created to accommodate Palestinian Bedouins from the 35 unrecognised villages in the Naqab (Negev). There are seven such towns - reservations - and the Bedouins moved to them find living hard because they are used to their agricultural way of life and not crammed into small spaces. The Jewish National Fund continues to be very active in the Naqab and is instrumental in pushing the indigenous population off their land.

More shops in Hebron’s Old City have closed with doors welded shut so this area is becoming even more like a ghost town. Few local people go into the Old City for their shopping and international visitors are reduced in number compared to previous years before the arrival of Covid. Israeli surveillance is everywhere through cameras and the presence of the Israeli army. The atmosphere is oppressive.

The wire structure was erected by Palestinians to protect the people from the rubbish thrown down by the extreme religious Jewish settlers who have taken over the apartments above the shops. Palestinian hospitality is as welcoming and generous as ever. Getting out amongst the locals provides memories that are never forgotten by international tour participants. It is not normal practice for Palestinians to use chemicals in their food production. For centuries they have respected the earth and tended their plants with loving care. They are skilled in seasoning their dishes using locally grown herbs and spices which results in tasty meals. The photos are from traditional meals that are served in the Naqab and in the Jordan Valley. However whatever fruit and vegetables Palestinians cannot grow themselves must be purchased from shops and market stalls where most of the produce they sell is supplied by Israel. The occupying power controls the water available to farmers and many farmers simply cannot afford to pay for it. In addition, due to land confiscation, Palestinians have lost much of their land. Israeli produce is sold at a lower price compared to what is economical for Palestinian production. The Palestinian population cannot afford to pay a premium price for the fruit and vegetables raised by Palestinian farmers.

Because of the fragmentation of the Palestinian people on the ground (those living in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza, and within ‘48 Israel), their realities and how they are impacted are different which means the approaches to the treatment that is provided must vary. Traditionally, seeking help for mental health issues has not been part of Palestinian culture; it was not understood and even discouraged. In recent years professionals from the fields of mental health and social work have been given time to speak on radio and television stations and some of them also write articles as they seek to bring understanding about stress and psychosocial problems that result because of living in a colonised society that leads to diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, depression, sleep dysfunction etc.. Increasing numbers of students are training in the field of mental health and more Palestinians are seeking treatment, a need which is currently hard to meet.

Yet again it was stressed that political work is needed because only providing humanitarian aid will not get to the root of the problem. Dates for Your Diary

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