From inside the wall…
June 17, 2005
I am writing this post from inside of the ‘apartheid wall’ in Beit Sahour, where I will be staying for the entire summer. We went through the checkpoint and weren’t given any problems by the Israelis, but within a few hundred feet of the checkpoint, I first saw ‘The Wall.’ It is extremely foreboding and not something that I can imagine having to live within/behind…although, I will for this summer. I was struck by a sense of deep pain and sadness as I first saw it, and as we so easily came from one side to another.
I am living with one of the directors of my program and I will begin orientation tomorrow, and I begin work at the Bethlehem Peace Center on Monday morning. Internet access will actually be pretty good, as I will have access from the Peace Center, Bethlehem Bible College and most likely, from the house I’m staying at in Beit Sahour.
It is certainly another world ‘within the wall’ - and you will be hearing it all here on this blog. Until then…
Tags: Beit Sahour, Middle East, Palestine, The Wall
Posted in Politics
Adam Walker Cleaveland: 
June 17th, 2005 at 3:51 pm
‘apartheid wall’? I didn’t know a country who has been invaded three times in 50 years and was formed because they faced extinction in europe could practice “apartheid” . . . i thought it was survival?
June 17th, 2005 at 10:30 pm
so glad you made it safely! and thanks for keeping us updated on your adventures too. wow ! the real stations of the cross!~ that sounds fabulous, plus prayer at the wailing wall! i am so jealous! glad your true luv is in the usa or you might just decide to stay!
you look pretty darn good on a camel btw! love lilly
June 18th, 2005 at 12:50 am
I’m loving this blog, Adam. Great work.
“Apartheid wall” seems like kind of a loaded term to me. Apartheid literally means “separation”, and in that sense it fits–but it also calls to mind the Apartheid of South Africa, where the ruling whites segregated themselves from the blacks in their country who they looked down on racially. The use of this word for this wall calls that image to mind–and it instantly puts Israel in the role of the oppressor and the racist. Given all the anti-Zionism in the Middle East–and the fact that Israel is completely surrounded by enemies–that doesn’t really seem fair.
I can see how Palestinians might use a term like that. But the average Israeli would probably see it differently: they’re worried about suicide bombers coming over and killing their kids while they’re having fun at a nightclub, or blowing up the bus that they take to work. The wall helps keep some of those people out, and helps provide a way to prevent the deaths of innocents. Does it hurt a lot of other people by making their lives harder–keeping them from their jobs and family? Certainly. But when suicide bombers threaten everything you do, I guess you have to make hard choices.
Just trying to think from both sides. I don’t know much about the wall other than it was built to keep suicide bombers out. I’m sure it hurts a lot of people in the process, though. Too bad it even had to be thought of.
June 20th, 2005 at 6:20 am
I appreciate you taking the time to respond with your comments.
However, I referred to this as the “Apartheid Wall” - as everyone in Bethlehem does - the Mayor of Bethlehem called it this - what else is it? It is separating the Palestinians (Muslims & Christians) from the Israelis (secular, Jewish, etc.) - it is ridiculous to think of this as keeping out suicide-bombers when you are meeting the people that I am meeting here in this area.
I think even the western perception of the “average Israeli” is not true either. Palestinians here acknowledge that you can even have some good Israeli soldiers - as the majority of young Israeli men and women are almost required to go into the army - it’s something that everyone basically must do - so there are some who are against what is happening who have to be in the Israeli army for 3-4 years. The first day I got into Israel, one of the Israeli young men that I met was very much against the Occupation, but he was gonig to enter the army the very next day because he had no choice.
The primary purpose for the Wall is simply for Israel to continue encroaching upon more and more of the Palestianian land, until there is no more.
They only build the huge, giant wall portion where there are homes around it - in other areas, it’s a series of electrified fences and security roads - these security roads, as well, are never built straight, but rather, they zig-zag back and forth and up and down the hillsides to take up as much Palestinian land as possible.
This is what I am seeing.
June 20th, 2005 at 6:22 am
Reno, the Jewish people have a horrific history. They were powerless for much of it.
And now they are extremely, extremely powerful.
The question for Israel is: How will you use that power now? Will you NOW be the oppressors?
June 20th, 2005 at 1:07 pm
“The question for Israel is: How will you use that power now? Will you NOW be the oppressors?”
i didn’t realize defense was “oppression” . . .
you said, “The primary purpose for the Wall is simply for Israel to continue encroaching upon more and more of the Palestianian land, until there is no more.”
wow dude . . . what uninformed propoganda.
June 20th, 2005 at 10:18 pm
Adam,
I must admit that until I began following your trip, I too thought of the wall as simply a security measure. My daughter was surprised to see me reading a sight with a “Palestinian Solidarity” link. But I prefer to learn as much as I can about both sides of an issue and really have enjoyed following your journey.
I guess you could say that I have been “uninformed” by the mainstream media. And, while I will always believe that blowing people up is criminal, I can see the pain the wall is imposing on those behind it thanks to your blog and especially the “Bethlehem Bloggers” site.
It is unfortunate that each side feels it has to distort the facts to support it’s own position. Just like any story, there is wrong and right on both sides.
Finding a peaceful way to bridge the gap is the hard part and presumably why you’re there? Thanks for providing an insightful perspective to those of us who can’t experience it for ourselves!
June 21st, 2005 at 3:47 am
Reno, then inform me brother. We are going to be meeting with Israelis and others during the summer, so I know this organization cares about giving us information from all sides. But…you cannot say that the wall is primarily for defense. That makes no sense from within the wall…
June 21st, 2005 at 5:36 am
David, thank you for your note - I am glad that you were open enough to want to check out my thoughts from Bethlehem/Beit Sahour. I hope you continue checking it out.
Reno - one more question my friend…you said, very politely, that I was spouting off uninformed propoganda. I am willing to admit that I am very much still learning about much of this…but, I would think that someone living with Palestinians, having gone through Israeli security, having gone with Israeli checkpoints into the city of Bethlehem, and hearing the stories of people who have lived their entire lives here…granted, I am hearing MUCH from the Palestinians, and we haven’t heard much from Israelis yet - so it might be a little biased, but I would argue that it is not uninformed.
June 23rd, 2005 at 2:38 pm
Adam - i am a fellow WoTN with Walker, but we first met at Sabeel, remember? I appreciate your blog and look forward to your insights from inside The Wall. as you know, when i was there, it was horrifying to see it all from the other side and realize that a 9-meter high concrete wall is NOT temporary and that it was separating families and livelihoods from people who are trying to survive.
I struggle with the entire israeli-palestinian right/wrong issue, but after being in Eastern Jerusalem and I was NOT able to go to Bethlehem, my heart resides with the Palestinian people and the people in Israel who are fighting non-violently for justice, no occupation, and finally and most importantly, peace. I think it is vital you are over there and are beaming back info about what it is really like. Too many people in the states still think “The Wall” is a “security fence.” Because i am southern: That ain’t no fence!
I pray that you stay safe and work for the justice Sabeel and other organizations strive for. Write me if you need more contacts over there…talk to Doug at CRS in Bethlehem, he is PCUSA and is amazing. You probably already know him, but trust me, he is an awesome ally if you are in a bind or just need some support.
-SL
August 20th, 2005 at 7:26 pm
Wow I agree with Reno.
The wall has been shown to save lives.
August 20th, 2005 at 8:32 pm
Btw Adam
If you want real people to take seriously you have to get off the Hamas thing.
Sorry you don’t want to hear but its true.
September 16th, 2005 at 3:20 pm
First of all, i like your site and hope to hear more about your experiences “inside the wall”.
Israel is an apartheid country, absolutely no doubt about that.
I wish you good luck and keep on reporting
September 16th, 2005 at 9:58 pm
Sabeel you think speaks for justice? This is a crazy group that seeks to destroy Israel and get behind Hamas.
THe fact the PCUSA has supported a group like this is one reason why people have left this ‘church’ of hate.
The Presbytarian ‘Church’ is a hate group out to bash gay people, Jews and those who don’t see it their way.
They have alot of nerve to call themselves Christian.