Debates
The trouble with Jerusalem - an insight into the conflict in Palestine
2nd February 2012
Ex student Madeline Mcgivern gave an inspiring and enlightening talk on being a part of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) in East Jerusalem and her experience of the conflict between the Israeli settlers and Palestinians. As a part of the organisation she lived in the area for three months, monitoring and protecting Human Rights with her UK national presence acting to deter violence by the Israeli police
She spoke of the unjust imposition of Israeli settlers upon Palestinian inhabitants, some of whom migrate to the Palestinian areas such as the West Bank for economic reasons and others because they believe the land is rightfully theirs as a gift from God. The story of Muhammad Al Kurd, a 12 year old Palestinian, was particularly moving. His family built an extension to their house without permission after their request was declined by the Israeli authorities. Once the house was built the family was evicted and, ten years later, Israeli settlers moved in. Now, Muhammad and his family are forced to share the house with the settlers, living in only a back room next to the people who effectively stole their home.
If you wish to help the organisation which works for a just cause and the end of the Israeli occupation then you can donate to the EAPPI, write to your MP, follow the EAPPI on twitter and Facebook and avoid buying products from illegal settlements.
It was a most interesting, well attended talk. Don’t miss next week’s debate on Thursday the 9th February!
Lily Argent