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 MoreLack of sustainable and accessible drinking water continues to plague Palestinian citizens, complicates their already arduous lives, and presents a critical block in economic development. As our tour guide Said discussed on our second day of the trip, access to water was one of the main negotiation points that PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat advocated for during the 2000 Camp David negotiations.
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 MoreThe Golan is a beautiful plateau in the historical region of Syria that is rich with fertile soil and abundant water sources. Israel has recognized it as another opportunistic area to occupy and has been building settlements since 1967 and termed the region as Golan Heights. Much of the Syrian population fled during the Six Day War in 1967...
Read MoreClose your eyes and image your favorite park. What do you see?
The lush, ancient redwoods of California towering over you? The awe-inspiring vastness of the Grand Canyon? Maybe you envision your favorite place to hike around the corner.
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