Feature story
From 14 April – 1 July, the accompaniers carried out 591 field visits that included protective presence, monitoring checkpoints, briefings, support for nonviolent action, and interventions that ensured a visible active presence.
One example of an incident documented: On 4 June, settlers set on fire agricultural land that belongs to Palestinians from the village of Al-Khader, Bethlehem. Israeli security forces prevented firefighters and farmers with water trucks from reaching the area, and consequently, olive and vegetable trees were lost because of the fire.
A second example: On 6 May, approximately 50 settlers broke into Beir Al-Maskoub Bedouin community, in the Khan Al-Ahmar area on the Jerusalem outskirts. They caused damage to at least four houses, and injury to area residents including women. Settlers remained in the community for 24 hours, until Israeli soldiers escorted them out.
The Ecumenical Accompaniment Program for Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), initiated by the World Council of Churches (WCC), brings international volunteers to the West Bank to witness life under occupation and support local communities.
“EAPPI visits mean a lot to me,” said Mohammad from Jiftlik community in the Jordan Valley on 27 May. “I am grateful for the solidarity because it gives us hope for the future.”
Alia Mleihat, 27, a Bedouin woman from Al-Mouarrajat area in the Jordan Valley, part of the occupied West Bank, said that she wants the world to know about the plight of Palestinians, and the difficulties endured every day.
Her motto in life is: beware of a strong woman.
She wrote the following poem in Arabic about the impeding demolition of her home. The poem was translated to English by George Sahhar, advocacy officer, for the WCC Jerusalem Liaison Office and the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program for Palestine and Israel.
I will talk to you about my life...
While I lack safety, security, home, freedom, or even a smile
While I yearn for a life
And while, in a few days, I will say goodbye to my home
To every corner of my home
To the memories
Laughter
Tears
Dreams
The years I spent here
To my childhood
My friends
To the jasmines, chamomiles, and wild thyme
I will say goodbye to the stones where I played
To the village courtyard
To the smell of my home
To family gatherings
Pain will be in my heart forever
I will say goodbye to the soil
To the walls
My home will be demolished
The judge decided to destroy my parents’ hard labour; our dreams and memories
The judge decided; and with no mercy
The judge forgot that we built a home through sweat
Through hard work over many years
Now the world in front of my eyes is dark
There is no justice and no peace
I wake up every morning on demolition, displacement, and torture
I end my day on fear and ethnic cleansing
I forgot the singing voice of Fairouz
The Bedouin Duhiyya dance
Folk music
Instead, I hear the noise of bullets
I weep for myself
Is anyone listening to me?
Is anyone answering my call?
I ask the judge: is this justice?
I will stand tall in front of the judge
I will tell the judge about my homeland
About my sadness
My tears
I have no choice
Nevertheless, I remain alive
