"Is my aunt sitting there a terrorist?"

by Marilyn Robinson In Ramallah

May 7, 2002

Last night I spent some time talking with a young Palestinian woman by the name of Jawan (pronounced similar to name Joanne in US). She wanted my opinion on what I thought of what the Israelis are doing to her country. I said it is deplorable. Where is the conscience of the world? Where is it?

She is a plant virologist and had to leave her job at the Bethlehem University due to the occupation and the incursion into that city. She now lectures at universities to make what little money they can manage to pay her. She said she was happy to see American activists come.

"Truly", she said, "we here in Palestine feel the Americans do not care about us, do not believe us. They think we are all terrorists. Do you think I am a terrorist? Is my aunt sitting there a terrorist?"

I said no, I do not believe what most Americans seem to believe. Our media is sadly portraying the wrong perceptions of your people. You are people like all people of the world. We all want the same things from life. Our family, love, the basics of life, and to live in peace.

No matter where I go the people gladly invite me into their homes.  They give me small, juicy,

nectarines (like nectar of the gods) and askadinyas (small pear like fruits resembling papaya

and pears).  The offer orange juice.  The best I have ever had in my life.   No kidding, folks.

They are a resilient people full of love and life and survival.

It is an honor to be here.

* Marilyn Robinson is one of four members of the Colorado Campaign for Middle East Peace who have joined international activists in solidarity with Palestinians nonviolently trying to end Israel's illegal military occupation of Palestine.  More on their trip at: www.ccmep.org/palestine.html