Does U.S Policy on Isreal/Palestine uphold our values?

April 18, 2010 the American Friends Service Committee who I do my internship with, put on a mock U.S congressional hearing asking the question, Does U.S. policy on Israel/ Palestine uphold our values?


Witnesses joined us from Israel, Palestine, and Washington telling us stories of their experiences relating to freedom of movement, military aid, and property rights in Palestine.

The listener panel asked questions that would have really stirred up the congressmen and senators if they had shown up. Why didnt they show up? Maybe they were scared that the questions asked would have been to hard to answer, or were they nervous that the personal stories shared would have really affected the way they vote in congress?

Well, I was given the most amazing opportunity of my life this Sunday. I got to not only hear the stories of these amazing, inspiring people, but I got to meet and talk with them after. These are exceptional people working for justice and peace in Israel/Palestine and anyone should be inspired to be in the same room as them.

Craig and Cindy Corrie. The parents of the human activist of Rachel Corrie who was killed by an Israeli military bulldozer in Gaza as she tried to prevent a home demolition of a Palestinian family. After her death the Corries have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of justice and peace in the Middle East. Seeking accountability and to challenge the Israeli Government, the Israeli and U.S. court systems, and the corporate headquarters of Caterpillar Inc.

 
Jeff Halper is the Coordinator of the Israeli Committee Against HOme demolition. He has led nonviolent direct action and civil disobedience against the Israeli occupation authorities.

Amer Shurrab is a Palestinian peace activist from Gaza. After the devastation that struck his family during a military assault on Gaza in 2009 has been calling for justice and for all victims of Israeli assaults. Both his brothers and his father were shot, not because they posed a threat, but from driving from working at their farm, home one morning. His story is one that will stick with me the rest of my life, and I thank him for telling us his story.


Jad Isaac, who I wasnt able to get a picture with at dinner is an environmental expert and applied promotes research, technology transfer, sustainable development and self reliance of the Palestinian people through greater control over their natural resources. He spoke on the freedom of movement of Palestinians in a land that is called Israel.

I am very great full to have been part of something so amazing, to have met some of the most amazing activists in this field, and an intern for an amazing organization like AFSC.