Palestinian Civil Society Forms Popular Committees
by Marilyn Robinson in Ramallah
May 16, 2002

I am a minority here in this section of Al Bireh in Ramallah at this meeting of what is called The Popular Committee. Present here are internationals from France(22), Denmark(2), United Kingdom(3) and myself, representing the U.S..

The concept of this Popular Movement was not really needed prior to the invasion especially when they felt peace was more than just an idea but perhaps imminent.
Of course, we all know peace did not happen and does not seem any closer than before. However, within 24 hours after the 1st day of the last invasion, this committee was formed to serve the neighborhood's needs. This concept had not been tried before.

A community action group idea was very new to the area's residents. The women of this neighborhood were the main concept bearers getting the message of their plan to take care of the needs of those living there into reality. Some residents had sons arrested, some children injured, in addition to the fact, no income was produced or salaries paid because of the date of the beginning of the invasion. Usually the 28th - 29th of the month was pay day for most of the residents however, because of the invasion, all payment of said salaries was halted. No funds, no medical care outside of their own community, no food, no ability to mobilize to obtain necessities became the concern of the committee people. The residents would not be able to obtain any monies for at least a month. One month with no money.

The committee needed to make tough decisions. They formed groups responsible for certain aspects of the neighborhood need. Some groups dealt with those injured and how to obtain medical help from within. Another group would venture out to get food the few times the curfew was lifted to share with the neighborhood. Some would contact the Red Cross with requests for care while the Israeli soldiers would not permit any ambulances into the area or in all of Ramallah especially from 1:00am till 8:00am.

The committee met on a daily basis, while part of the group would gather the children bringing them into the building's meeting center.


* Marilyn Robinson is one of three members of the Colorado Campaign for Middle East Peace who have joined Palestinians in nonviolently resisting Israel's illegal military occupation. More on their trip at www.ccmep.org/palestine.html