Interview of Palestinian Humanitarian Workers

by Marilyn Robinson in Ramallah

May 9, 2002

[NOTE: I interviewed two people from the HDIP- Health, Development, Information and Policy Institute, here in Ramallah (website- http://www.hdip.org) which are the main offices where Nik (another international) and I are sleeping at night to protect it from Israeli military attacks.]

Bassem, a 22 yr. old man and Inas, a 23 yr. old young woman, Project Managers for the HDIP each spoke with me  answering questions relating to the occupation and its effect on everyday life.

Bassem has studied educational/community management in Scotland and Manchester, England. Even though he is only 22 years old, he appears mature for his years as most of the young people do here. Occupation has a way of doing that to the people.

Ines continues educational studies in the nearby area. Her mother lives in Bethlehem. She cannot visit her due to the 24 hour curfew.  To travel anywhere she is constantly stopped at the many checkpoints she has to travel through.  Because of the curfews there is always the possibility of not being able to return to her work or school. Her father lives and works in the US for now. Her mother does not wish to go there. She says she loves Palestine too much to leave.

They both are involved in community education on democracy, management of local councils, developing and implementing health policies and being a source of information on a variety of community aid subjects.  Training the basic ideas of democracy involves traveling to the rural communities requiring monies which have dwindled making it almost impossible to accomplish those types of goals.

Both said what makes the situation so scary right now is not just Ariel Sharon, but, the fears are based on the fact that 90% or more of Israeli people believe in Sharon and support his tactics.  Plus, they feel the support is growing and many actually think like him.  According to Bassem and Ines many Palestinians feel even if there is an agreement for peace right now, it will not be a durable peace.

Many Israelis are leaving due to fear. Palestinians are used to being scared. The people of Israel are not as attached to their land as the Palestinians. They get money to locate in Israel, many of the homes are almost free. Palestinians have a longer history with the land. It is part of their soul.

I asked them how do they feel about suicide bombers?

Bassem: "I hate any killing. However, the situation is unique here. You must look at the whole picture. We have no real weapons to fight with on this battlefield that has been drawn. No ability to fight seems to justify using any means, all available means to defend our land and resist the occupation. They say the bombers kill innocent civilians yet mostly all have weapons. Just walk in Israel, go to a restaurant, stores, clubs and see the machine guns at their sides everywhere. We have been negotiating since Oslo for peace and against war."

Inas: "I want to give another side. Aside from the desperation and hopelessness the people here feel, especially those in the camps, I strongly feel the Israelis and Sharon's government used suicide bombing as a tactic in the beginning and continues to this day. How is it so coincidental when these bombings go off...as Colin Powell is in the air and down below a suicide bomber explodes their bombs in his sight. As in the case of Houtery who set bombs off in a beach area of Tel Aviv a short time ago.  He was from Amman and is felt to have been brainwashed and influenced to do so by the Mossad -- an Israeli secret police type organization, similar to the FBI/CIA who use the young people to commit such acts. They fill their heads with the ideas of harems and riches in heaven. Hamas and other such organizations make up such a small percentage of the Palestinian society. Most Palestinians do not agree with this method, suicide bombing, but understand why it happens when it is desperation and hopelessness driven."

Inas also offered that she and others feel the Arab-Americans do not support the cause of Palestine. They do not hear from them as much as they feel they should.

It is an honor to be here with all the Palestinians. It will extremely difficult to leave. they are so thankful for our faces here. We mean so much to their protection.

* Marilyn Robinson is one of four members of the Colorado Campaign for Middle East Peace who have joined internationals 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