| Middle way and Eat Ba'arta:
Middleway has chosen to focus its activities in the year 2006 in the village
of Barta’a. This decision sprouted out of a wish to bear witness
to the suffering of ordinary people and to support Barta’a people
in their endeavor to maintain a non-violent response to the difficult
conditions they live in. By highlighting the tragic situation of Barta’a
it is hoped to bring attention to the suffering and absurdity created
bythe Middle Eastern conflict. And to show in the profound opportunities
for peacemaking and co-existence the hope even in the midst of such difficult
situations.
Background:
Barta’a is located in Wadi Ara, near the center of Israel. The “Green
Line”, the 1948 boundary between Israel and the West Bank, runs
directly through the middle of the village. The western half of the village
became part of Israel in 1948 and its inhabitants are Israeli citizens;
the eastern half was part of the West Bank occupied by Jordan. It was
taken over by Israel in 1967, and is considered a military zone. Its inhabitants
are not Israeli citizens. As a result, the people of Eastern Barta’a
are unable to travel freely to the western side of the village, which
is Israeli territory. Since the Intifada began in 2000 travel to the Palestinian
territories has been periodically restricted, and now the Separation Barrier
lies between them and the Palestinian areas. As a result, Eastern Barta’a
people live in a closed environment, surrounded by police and soldiers,
and are restricted by nearby checkpoints. Their sources of livelihood
are blocked, Many families are divided in half and live separately from
their dear ones for years, wives from their husbands, mothers from their
children. It is estimated that some 200 husbands and wives are split up
in opposing sides of the village. There have allegedly been deaths in
East Barta’a because of the impossibility of getting to hospital
quickly. The ongoing stress and curfew create difficult economic and emotional
distress , and yet the Barta’a people are committed to non-violent
and peaceful means to try and change their situation.
What is Middleway?
Middleway is a non-profit, non-political grassroots organization, which
grew from the longing felt by thousands of Jewish and Arab Israelis and
Palestinians in Israel to find novel ways to put an end to the circle
of violence, hatred and fear, and to live in peace on the same land. It
began its activities in April 2002, with an 8 days silent peace walk from
Jaffa to Jerusalem, in which hundreds of people participated, aiming for
a deep change of heart in individuals and in society. Since then many
peace walks have taken place all over Israel and also in the Palestinian
Territories, and a wealth of activities has stemmed from the initial authentic
wish to find a different solution. Middleway’s path to reconciliation
for all sides includes the following activities.
1. Silent peace walks: These walks, through nature and through Arab and
Jewish cities. towns and smaller settlements, bring together hundreds
of Jews, Arabs and people from other faiths to spread the message of non-violence.
The walks are a living testimony that peace, reconciliation, and co-existence
are possible
2. Dialogue circles: Dialogues are held in small groups in which the participants
listen to one another with compassion and respect, and practice and learn
peace-making. Dialogue circles have included:
• Arab Israelis
• Jewish Israelis
• Palestinians in the Territories
• Jewish settlers from Gaza Strip and Gush Etzion (West Bank)
3. Humanitarian activities: In partnership with local people, Middleway
has carried out a number of distinct humanitarian activities in the West
Bank:
• organizing Israeli doctors and other practitioners to volunteer
in Palestinian hospitals
• organizing teachers to visit Palestinian schools
• providing school bags for Palestinian schoolchildren
• facilitating the donation of thousands of olive trees.
The Middleway Project
Middleway, as an organization promoting a non-violent approach to peace-making
and social change, is committed to support the village through various
activities to help strengthen and deepen the culture of non-violence and
peace.
The planned monthly activities of Middleway in Barta’a include:
• Silent peace walks of Jews and Arabs in the village and to the
checkpoint, intending to demonstrate that peace is possible. The participants
of these walks will also be able to witness the harsh conditions in which
Barta’a people are living .
• Dialogue circles between Israeli Jews and Barta’a people:
a positive exposure to the Israeli Jewish world. The only Israeli Jews
that Barta’a people know, especially the children, are the Israeli
soldiers. Middleway wants them to meet and get to know different Israeli
Jews, such that both sides will get a glimpse into the complexity of each
other’s lives, from which a wish for mutual support will stem.
• Activities with Barta’a children. Middleway will promote
peace and non-violent culture, using games, play, singing and music. Bartaa
children live in deprivation: most of them have never seen the sea, been
to the zoo, or left Barta’a at all.
• Humanitarian aid to Barta’a people. This will focus on fundraising
for the local elementary school, which is in great need for basic equipment,
such as books, a copying machine, etc.
• Improving connection with the authorities, including a continual
contact with the military and police. An improved connection will help
to create mutual understanding between Barta’a people and the soldiers,
and thus relieve some of the stress, and prevent violence.
Middleway http://www.middleway.org/English/index.html
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