A crazy kaleidoscope filled with faces from all parts of this region. I have talked with both Palestinians and Israelis. With new Jewish immigrants and their children and grandchildren. With Palestinians who have been here for generations and ones who have just returned. I have talked with architects. With professors. With activists. With business owners. I have talked with members of the Palestinian Authority and members of Hamas. With members of Kadima, Yisrael Beitanou, and Haavoda. As well as the stoned members of the Green Leaf Party (the Israeli party for legalization of weed). I have talked theology with nuns of a Christian Hostel on the Mount of Olives. And obviously, I talked about Israel and Palestine with other journalists.
I have seen Palestinian civil servants strike for months on end. I have seen demonstrations by orthodox Jews against homosexuals. I have met Zionist Christians. I have testimonies from Palestinians who were the victims of settlers’ violence. I have seen Palestinian hospitals that are in the midst of a sanitary disaster. I have seen Israeli elections. I have seen Israelis go to war. And I have witnessed the fallout an Israeli government that today has no credibility. And I have witnessed how American style democracy works when they don’t agree with the candidate elected.
Of course, I was moved by kids from Nablus rehearsing a musical in a room where the walls were covered with posters of martyrs. Of course, I was moved by Palestinian women waiting in the hot middle-eastern sun at checkpoints with their crying babies. Of course, I was moved by these sons and grandsons talking about their families who are “gone in the camps". I am always surprised to see a civilian drinking his espresso with a Kippa on his head and an M16 assault riffle slung around his back.
And I was also surprised by this Palestinian student asking me : "So what do you prefer? Israel? Palestine?" In that moment, I couldn’t answer. I have seen the occupation. And I have seen Rabbis giving a hand to Palestinians during olive harvest.
I have also seen a guy from Hamas shaking hands with a rabbi.
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