Hello everyone. The past week since my last update has been a chaotic one. My program took us up north for 3 days so that we could see more of the country, which involved learning more about the conflict between Palestinian Israelis and the government, as well as hiking, and rafting. We also got the opportunity to learn more about the surrounding region, and the conflicts that are currently going on.
Our week started on Tuesday, with an early morning drive up north, where we meet with Israeli students with Palestinian heritage. This was an eye opening experience, which demonstrated not only how they are affected by the conflict, but also just how similar we are to one another in our interests. Currently the situation for Israeli citizens of Palestinian descent is difficult. The current right wing government treats them unequally, making all but impossible to expand their cities, get enough money for their schools, or provide job opportunities, with many people receiving degrees, but ending up working in fields like schools or construction. It in this regard that the conflict becomes closest to apartheid. These people are citizens of Israel. They pay taxes, and can vote in the elections. These are not people living in the West Bank, and they deserve to be treated as any person in the country would be.
After we met with the students we went on a hike on Montfort, a mountain park, which is home to the remains of one of the last crusader castles. The ruins themselves were visually stunning, however the hike down to them, and then back up the other side of the valley, was exhausting.
After that we met with a representative from the northern most kibbutz in Israel, which also happens to sit right Israel’s borders with Lebanon and Syria. From there we could see Hezbollah strong holds. He presented another narrative of living in Israel. He described coming here in his 20’s, and fighting in almost every major war that Israel was a part of. He described his dislike for the terrorists that attack the country, an American voice that had been there since the beginning.
The next day I chose an easier hike, which took us into a small valley to see the stream and waterfall that resided there. One of the interesting aspects of this hike was the Syrian tank, which fell in the six day war. It was fascinating sight, and also a somber reminder of how unstable the region is, even when it feels peaceful.
After the hike my group traveled to the memorial for the Helicopter crash, which was the deadliest aerial disaster in Israeli history. My guide compared Israel’s reaction to the disaster to the American reaction to Kennedy’s assassination. It effected everyone in some way or another.
After the memorial we traveled up to Mt. Bental, an overlook into Syria. While there we were able to see different cities held by different factions. One held by the moderate rebellion, one held by Al Qaeda, and so on and so forth. While up there we spoke with some UN soldiers who were surveying the area. They were there mostly because the Golan is disputed territory, and they visit to ensure that both sides are holding to the cease fire that was signed at the end of the six day war. While we were speaking to them we heard a loud boom, which we were informed was bomb going off. It was a startling moment, and one that I hope never to have to experience again.
After that we went rafting down the Jordan River, and then camped for the night. The next day was spent picking olives on a local farm, and relaxing in the Sea of Galilee. I begin my internship tomorrow, which means that trips and stuff will become less frequent, however I still plan to keep updating at least once a week.
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