One year after the US decision to move its embassy, this delegation takes a special in depth look at the situation in Jerusalem including the effects of displacement and gentrification on the Holy City. The group also tours many other areas in Palestine/Israel and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.
Follow the delegation to read eyewitness accounts from the ground, reports from meetings, and experiences with Palestinians and Israelis.
Exclusive content will also be available on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook under the hashtags #eyewitness68.
This delegation is Eyewitness Palestine's 68th, successfully exposing more than 1,300 people to the daily realities facing Palestinians in their quest for justice.
We believe in the power of eyewitness experience and transformation. Given the opportunity to speak directly with Palestinians and Israelis, delegates return to the United States better informed, more energized, and with a deeper understanding of the possibilities for true justice in the Middle East.
The architecture of these buildings is incredible and consist only of earthen material. I am reminded that our ancestors indeed recognized the importance of architecture fitting in with the natural world, rather than the complete manipulation, pollution, and destruction of it. How did we get so far removed from this sense of responsibility to live harmoniously with our environment?
Read MoreWe enter the so-called City of David – a glistening, modern stone edifice built on multiple levels in the hillside, with open vistas onto the town of Silwan – amidst a deafening cacophony of children’s voices, shouting, laughing, shrieking with joy. Even though we are on the south end of occupied East Jerusalem, a supposedly Palestinian area, these are not Palestinian children.
Read MoreWe learned about a portion of the fence known as the “Shouting Hill,” or the “Valley of Tears” where separated families would meet and communicate via megaphone. This image was vivid in my head as we hiked along the border fence, passing grapevines, pomegranate and quinces trees, and in-season cherries that were graciously offered to us by local farmers.
Read MoreOur guide from the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan explained all the ugly ways— blatant and subtle— that the Israeli authorities and extremist settler groups are using to confiscate the land of Palestinians in Silwan and drive away as many people from their homes as possible. He and young Silwani activists also explained the Israeli plan for creating a Disney-like version of the “City of David” in the area of Silwan.
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